Taiwan plans to send a government team to assess U.S. rare earths deposits as part of efforts to secure critical mineral supplies and reduce dependence on China. Economy Minister Kung Ming-hsin announced the initiative, which aims to refine these materials on the island.

President Trump's administration has intensified efforts to secure domestic supplies of critical minerals after China restricted rare earth exports to U.S. automakers and manufacturers last year. The U.S. launched Project Vault, a $12 billion strategic stockpile backed by the Export-Import Bank and private investors.

Taiwan, while not formally part of Project Vault, has engaged in talks with Washington about supporting the initiative. The island consumes 1,500 metric tonnes of rare earths annually and aims to refine materials from other countries rather than mine them domestically. Taiwan's expertise in processing could play a crucial role in diversifying global supply chains away from China-centric sources.