US Pursues Critical Mineral Trade Zone, Addresses China Relations, and Engages in Diplomatic Missions
Washington D.C. – The United States government engaged in a multifaceted week involving international trade, diplomatic efforts, and domestic concerns. A key focus was the launch of a plan to counter China's dominance in the supply of critical minerals essential for manufacturing a wide range of products, from smartphones to weapons. Simultaneously, President Donald Trump addressed concerns regarding arms supplies to Taiwan in a phone call with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. On the domestic front, the nation grappled with the abduction of a news anchor's mother, while Vice President JD Vance prepared for an overseas trip combining diplomacy and sports.
The State Department hosted the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial event on Wednesday, aiming to establish a trade zone for these vital resources, according to BBC World. The event saw participation from countries and organizations including the UK, the European Union, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Delegates discussed the accessibility and availability of minerals crucial for manufacturing computers, electronics, and defense equipment. The US initiative seeks to break China's stronghold on the industry, as reported by BBC World.
During a phone call on Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping told President Trump that the issue of Taiwan was "the most important issue" in China-US relations, according to BBC World. Xi urged Trump to be "prudent" when supplying weapons to the island. Trump characterized the call as "excellent" and "long and thorough," BBC World reported. The conversation followed a series of visits to China by Western leaders, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to lead President Trump's delegation to the 2026 Winter Olympics, ABC News reported. Following the Olympics, Vance will travel to Armenia and Azerbaijan in a show of support for a peace agreement brokered by the White House last year. According to ABC News, the weeklong trip may be one of the few international trips Vance undertakes this year, as the Trump administration is focusing on domestic issues in the lead-up to the November midterm elections.
Domestically, NBC news anchor Savannah Guthrie made an emotional plea for the safe return of her abducted mother, Nancy Guthrie, who went missing from her home in Arizona over the weekend, BBC World reported. In a video message posted on Instagram, Guthrie, flanked by her siblings, said, "We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. Please reach out to us." Authorities suspect Nancy Guthrie was kidnapped and are working with the FBI to authenticate a possible ransom demand, according to BBC World.
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