Critical minerals have already been at the center of mounting conflict between the U.S. and China. These tensions laid bare weakness in the supply chain.

Trump's move is aimed at cutting America's dependence on China for materials essential to electric vehicles, defense systems and advanced technology.

The stockpile is the latest move by the Trump administration to build a Western supply chain to counter China's dominance in critical minerals.

More than 50 countries are represented at the Critical Minerals Ministerial to discuss how to reduce reliance on China.

Critical minerals have already been at the center of mounting conflict between the U.S. and China. These tensions laid bare weakness in the supply chain.