Part 10/15:
South Korea’s commitment to invest $350 billion in the U.S. provides a strong bargaining chip. Controversies remain over how precisely these funds will be allocated, given differing economic priorities. of particular importance is South Korea’s cooperation on critical minerals, especially rare earths, as it navigates Chinese pressure, including recent Chinese restrictions on exports of materials crucial for U.S. defense and technology sectors.
Moreover, Trump’s preparatory talks in Kuala Lumpur with U.S. and Chinese officials highlighted contentious issues. Key topics included China's expanding export controls on rare earths, U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports, disputes over soybean trade, and the proliferation of fentanyl—highlighting the ongoing economic and security rivalry.