As the U.S. targets China with tariffs, President Donald Trump has reiterated his desire to directly negotiate with Chinese President Xi Jinping. However, the call between the two leaders has stalled. Foreign media point out that the reason is Trump's refusal to authorize White House representatives to engage with Beijing through informal diplomatic channels, insisting on a one-on-one conversation with Xi.

At the same time, China dominates the global rare earth market and has now employed an export control on seven rare earth elements as a retaliatory weapon, placing the U.S. in a dilemma amid the trade war.

Trump had indicated wanting to reach a tariff agreement with Beijing within three to four weeks, but this target now appears difficult to meet. Analysts believe that unofficial envoys, who could provide more flexibility to negotiations, are unable to facilitate high-level discussions. Meanwhile, China's control over 92% of refined rare earth production poses a potential supply crisis for the U.S., which could leave them with only six months of reserves, endangering the production of electronics, fighter jets, and aircraft carriers.