Ahead of U.S.-China talks in London, President Trump authorized Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's team to negotiate away recent restrictions on the sale of a wide variety of technology and other products to China,

China views its rare earths as a national security issue, not a trade one, and that’s why Beijing is unlikely to loosen controls anytime soon, experts say.

Global manufacturers have raised the alarm on China's decision to curb exports of rare earths alloys, mixtures and magnets. Here is an overview of rare earths and China's measures: WHAT ARE THEY? Rare earths are a group of 17 silvery-white elements.