Congressman John Moolenaar Chairman of the Select Committee on the CCP | Official U.S. House headshot
Congressman John Moolenaar Chairman of the Select Committee on the CCP | Official U.S. House headshot
Select Committee on China Chairman John Moolenaar has issued a statement following reports that Chinese President Xi Jinping has expanded restrictions on rare earth minerals. According to Moolenaar, “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.”
Earlier in the day, President Trump stated online that he would "financially counter" China's move regarding rare earths and said "many countermeasures" are being considered.
President Trump has previously expressed intentions for the United States to become a manufacturing leader while reducing reliance on China through measures such as decoupling or imposing tariffs.
Last month, Moolenaar sent a letter to President Trump urging coordinated action with allies against Beijing's control over rare earths essential for defense and advanced manufacturing. In this correspondence, Moolenaar recommended restricting or suspending Chinese airline landing rights in the U.S. and allied nations until full export flows resume; reviewing export controls on aircraft sales and services; and limiting investment in China's aviation sector together 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.”