U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has proposed that the government might increase its equity stakes in key strategic enterprises as a measure to protect national security interests, especially in light of China’s recent restrictions on rare earth exports.
The Trump administration has strongly criticized Beijing’s intensified export controls on rare earth minerals, labeling them a serious threat to global supply chains. In retaliation, U.S. officials are considering bolstering government involvement in critical sectors by acquiring larger shares in essential companies to reduce dependency on China’s market leverage.
During a recent industry conference, Bessent underscored that China’s aggressive new restrictions on rare earth metals and magnet exports serve as a stark reminder of the necessity for the United States to either secure more autonomous supply chains or strengthen alliances with dependable partners in the sector.
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