China Bars U.S. Military From Access To Rare Earths, Increasing Risk Of “Derailing” Trade Truce

China plans to ease exports of rare earths and other restricted materials to the U.S. through a “validated end-user” (VEU) system that would bar firms linked to the U.S. military while fast-tracking approvals for others, according to a new report from the Wall Street Journal. The VEU would let Xi Jinping honor his pledge to President Trump to facilitate exports while ensuring materials don’t reach military suppliers. If enforced strictly, the system could complicate imports for U.S. automotive and aerospace companies with both civilian and defense contracts. The plan remains subject to change, sources said. WSJ writes that rare-earth magnets…