China’s control over rare earth elements, which constitute 70% of global mining and 90% of refining capacity, is a major point of contention for the United States. The Trump administration is attempting to counter this by integrating discussions about TikTok, a Chinese-owned app, into its diplomatic efforts with China. Recently, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer met with Chinese officials in Madrid, including Vice Premier He Lifeng and Commerce Minister Li Chenggang, to announce a framework agreement on TikTok. This agreement is being viewed as an opportunity to strengthen the U.S. position in trade negotiations, particularly against China’s growing influence in critical minerals and semiconductors.
TikTok has emerged as a significant issue due to concerns over data security, algorithmic influence, and foreign ownership. These concerns are particularly relevant for national security, as China’s leverage over critical technologies like semiconductors and rare earth minerals poses a direct threat to U.S. strategic interests. The Trump administration, which has historically taken a firm stance on trade issues, is employing TikTok as a tool to exert pressure on China, which has been increasingly utilizing strategic choke points to shape global supply chains and technological dominance.
The article references historical examples from the Trump administration’s first term, such as the intense trade negotiations in 2018 where the U.S. faced unexpected proposals from China during meetings in Beijing. This underscores the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of U.S.-China trade negotiations. Despite evolving challenges, the U.S. is attempting to maintain a firm stance through initiatives like the TikTok framework agreement, aiming to reshape the geopolitical landscape of trade and technology.