The US’s recent conflict with Iran has dominated the headlines, but growing is equally realistic and ultimately more consequential if it’s quieter with China.
According to CNN“Xi Jinping has plans for how the world works, and… he is escalating his push to challenge America’s global leadership. Xi’s vision and President Trump’s “America First” economic control aims are completely at odds.
One of the essential weapons President Trump has at his disposal in this conflict with China is the US undescriptive Export Export Bank (EXIM). Founded almost 100 years ago Promotes exports of US goods and servicesthe Trump administration expects exim to kick overdrive A safe strategic supply chain and The dull Chinese Global ambitions.
Consider China’s overwhelming grip on the key mineral supply chains that support the US defense, energy and industrial sectors. For example, the United States is entirely dependent on niobium and scandium, and heavily on foreign sources of titanium. All of these are essential for advanced weapon systems, aerospace components and next-generation manufacturing.
Now, consider what that means if China invades Taiwan. In the event of a conflict, China will not hesitate to weaponize control of key minerals by blocking our access, as it did when it was easily enacted. Export restrictions Earlier this year, we’ve talked about seven rare earth elements. (Related: Jenny Beth Martin: “The first bombing of Iran’s nuclear facility”)
A often overlooked pillar of China’s rare earth strategy is neglecting basic workforce and environmental standards. June 2025 Report New Jiang’s key Chinese mineral producers have exposed how to exploit Uighurs through the state-run “labor transfer” programme. This is the introduction of systemic human rights abuses into competitive advantages. At least 77 mining and mineral processing companies operate in the region and effectively reduce production costs by relying on forced labor from persecuted ethnic minorities.
US Senators Katherine Cortez Mast (D-NV) and Mike Round (R-SD) have introduced the law. Strengthening exports against Chinese law– To push China back by spurring more lending to “supporting US exporters in new, less established areas.”
Providing more flexibility, as suggested by Senator Mastro and Round, would directly benefit America’s important mineral projects. Elk Creek Critical Mineral Project In Nebraska. If the project passes, Elk Creek reduces the US’s dependence on imported important minerals such as niobium, scandium and titanium.
Critics who condemn “government intervention” have overlooked the simple truth. A global important mineral market is already equipped. It is distinguished by China’s national subsidies, predatory pricing and forced labor. This is not a free market competition. It’s an economic war, and America can’t afford to sit on the sidelines.
Luckily, Congressional leaders are turning the alarm:
Of course, it won’t happen for a long time unless Congress reapproves Exim beyond 2026.
Congress faces clear choices. Re-approve the Export Transport Bank to protect American jobs and blunt China’s ambitions or resign to China’s dependence. President Trump has set the course. It’s now up to the lawmaker to fulfill his duties.
James Carter is the principal of Navigator Global. He previously led President Donald Trump’s tax team during the 2016-17 transition and served as President George W. Bush’s deputy aide to the Treasury Department. Sebastian Horton is the director of legislative issues at Navigator Global.
The opinions and opinions expressed in this commentary are the views of the authors and do not reflect the official position of the Daily Caller News Foundation.
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