Trump admin slams China's 'global power grab' on rare earths, threatens triple-digit tariffs

Core Points - The U.S. government officials are concerned about China's increasing control over rare earth materials, which they describe as a "global power grab" [1] - There is a recognition of the potential for a positive economic relationship with China, despite current tensions [2] - The U.S. trade representatives emphasize the need for a more balanced trade relationship with China, highlighting the risks involved [4] - Recent actions by China to expand rare earth export controls have escalated tensions, leading to fears of a renewed trade war [4] - President Trump has threatened to impose significantly higher tariffs on Chinese goods, which has caused instability in financial markets and U.S.-China relations [7] - A lower-level Chinese trade official previously warned that China could "unleash chaos" on the global system in response to U.S. actions [9]