The agreements are a clear bid to reduce dependence on China, ahead of a key meeting with Xi Jinping.

Scott Bessent's remarks came as Trump kicked off an Asia tour in Kuala Lumpur that will culminate in a sit-down with Xi in South Korea.

COLUMN. By unveiling restrictions on the use of these minerals essential to industry, Xi Jinping demonstrates that he has the means to dictate terms to the rest of the world.…