China’s Li Launches Charm Offensive on Rare Earths at G-20

China’s Premier Li Qiangcame to the Group of 20 summit not only poised to defend his country’s rare earths curbs, but also armed with offerings to quell concerns of developing nations.

Critical minerals became a defining theme of Africa’s first G-20 summit this weekend. Sessions were dedicated to the topic as European leaders grappled with supply chain issues and Global South countries appealed for help in benefiting from a burgeoning industry where Beijing dominates processing.

Li Qiang at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg on Nov. 23.

Photographer: Marco Longari/Pool/AFP/Getty Images

Li had responses to both problems. In a speech Sunday, he justified the need to “cautiously manage” exports of minerals critical for military ...