PM dismisses China ‘blowback’ after critical mineral deal
Anthony Albanese says he is not worried about “blowback” from Beijing after inking a mega critical minerals deal with the US that aims to challenge China’s global market dominance.
The framework the Prime Minister signed with Donald Trump this week promised an immediate pipeline of critical minerals and rare earth elements – materials vital to modern technology – worth some $13bn.
Figures vary, but China mines up to 70 per cent of the world’s supply and controls more than 90 per cent of refining.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Asked on Sunday if he was concerned the move might rub the Chinese government up the wrong way, the Prime Minister said “no”, and vowed to “stand up for Australia’s national interests”.
“And of course, the critical minerals deal is in Australia’s national interest,” Mr Albanese told Nine.
“We want to make sure that we make more things in Australia and that if we can do so in partnership with the United States, then that’s a great thing.”
He went on to say critical minerals and rare earths “will power the world in this century, and … they’re essential for new technologies, for everything from batteries right through to defence equipment as well”.
“This is a program that could set Australia up - just as iron ore and our resources have been so important in the last century and will continue to be - so this is absolutely critical,” Mr Albanese said.
He signed the agreement with the US President at the White House after China slapped export restrictions on some materials with crucial defence applications.
More to come.
Originally published as PM dismisses China ‘blowback’ after critical mineral deal
