China Pushes Back on U.S. Deep-Sea Metal Stockpile Plans, Citing International Law

So according to a recent report, the U.S. is apparently working on plans to stockpile deep-sea metals from the Pacific Ocean to reduce its reliance on China for rare earths and critical minerals. The idea seems to be about creating a buffer in case tensions with China escalate further and imports are disrupted. These deep-sea metals are essential for things like EVs, clean energy tech, and even military equipment. The U.S. move seems to be a response to China’s hold on the global supply, especially since it produces around 90% of the world’s refined rare earths.

Naturally, China isn’t thrilled. The Chinese foreign ministry responded by saying that no country should act unilaterally when it comes to exploiting resources on the seabed. They pointed to international law—specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea—and said any activity in international waters should fall under the authority of the International Seabed Authority. According to them, the seabed belongs to everyone and isn’t up for grabs by any one country.

The timing makes this whole thing feel like part of a broader trade and tech rivalry. The Trump administration, based on the Financial Times report, is looking to formalize the plan through an executive order. They want to make sure the U.S. has a strategic reserve of these key metals in case access to Chinese exports is cut off. It’s basically a supply chain security move, framed through a national defense lens.

But the bigger question is whether this kind of move could lead to more conflict over marine resources. With so much of the clean energy future riding on access to rare earths, and with tensions between the U.S. and China already running high, this seabed metals issue could turn into another flashpoint. For now, China’s calling for adherence to international rules—but it’s clear both sides are bracing for a long-term strategic showdown over critical minerals.

Source: Reuters