East Michigan News

Select Committee on China Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) has responded to reports that Chinese President Xi Jinping is expanding restrictions on rare earth exports ahead of a possible meeting with President Trump. Moolenaar described the move as a significant challenge to U.S. interests.

“China’s action today is an economic declaration of war against the United States and a slap in the face to President Trump amid his efforts to fight for a level-playing field. China has fired a loaded gun at the American economy, seeking to cut off critical minerals used to make the semiconductors that power the American military, economy, and devices we use every day including cars, phones, computers, and TVs. Every American will be negatively affected by China’s action, and that’s why we must address America’s vulnerabilities and build our own leverage against China. We should immediately pass my legislation to end preferential trade treatment for China, build a resilient resource reserve of critical minerals, secure American research and campuses from Chinese influence, and strangle China’s technology sector with export controls instead of selling it advanced chips. Xi Jinping only respects strength and I am ready to work with patriotic business leaders, our congressional leadership, and the Trump Administration to show China that its belligerent trade actions will be met with serious efforts to protect the American people, secure our supply chains, and cut off the flow of U.S. capital and technology into China,” Moolenaar said.

Last month, Moolenaar sent a letter to President Trump calling for coordinated action with U.S. allies in response to Beijing's control over rare earths and magnets essential for defense and advanced manufacturing sectors.

In his letter, Moolenaar suggested several measures: restricting or suspending Chinese airline landing rights in the U.S. and allied countries until full export flows are restored; reviewing export control policies related to commercial aircraft sales and services; and limiting outbound investment in China's aviation sector in coordination with key partners.

“These steps would send a clear message to Beijing that it cannot choke off critical supplies to our defense industries without consequences to its own strategic sectors,” Moolenaar wrote in September. “By acting together, the U.S. and its allies can strengthen our resilience, reinforce solidarity, and create real leverage with China.”