Xi holds leverage in first China-US summit where Beijing leads
Xi Jinping arrives in Washington with rare-earth export controls expiring in November, giving China negotiating power the US has not faced before.
For decades, American presidents have set the terms in China-US summits. Not this time.
Xi Jinping arrives in Washington with his strongest hand yet: leverage over rare earths that are vital for manufacturing everything from cars to submarines. Beijing's export controls on these elements expire in November.
If no deal emerges from talks, China can tighten access further. Trump, who started a trade war with China last year, lost that fight when China weaponised rare-earth supply.
Xi has also signalled strength by refusing Trump's request to free Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai. He allowed Hong Kong courts to impose harsh sentences on democracy campaigners.
The US enters talks weakened: wars and sanctions have depleted weapons stockpiles. This limits America's ability to defend Taiwan or project power in the Pacific.
- November
- Rare-earth controls expire
- up to life
- Joshua Wong sentence
- 29
- Joshua Wong age
- over $14,000
- China per capita income
Why it mattersRare-earth shortages could raise costs for tech, cars and defence. A China-led summit shapes global trade rules and US strategic reach for the next four years.
AustraliaAustralia's tech costs, trade with China, and regional security depend on how the US manages China's leverage. A weak US negotiating position could push Australia toward Beijing or force costly supply-chain reshuffles.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 4 d ago
