Pax Sinica vs Pax Silica: how China-US mineral war is taking shape

South China Morning PostEN 2 min read 100% complete by Chenjie SongFebruary 20, 2026 at 01:30 PM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

The United States and China are intensifying their competition for critical mineral resources, particularly in Africa, as highlighted by recent acquisitions and strategic initiatives. China's Zijin Mining is acquiring African mines, while the US-backed Orion Consortium seeks a stake in DRC operations. The US launched the Forum on Resource Geostrategic Engagement (Forge) and unveiled $30 billion in financing to secure AI-era supply chains through its Pax Silica initiative. Europe is also stockpiling critical minerals through the RESourceEU Action Plan. These actions reflect a broader geopolitical struggle for resource dominance, with the US focusing on alliances to counter China's existing mine ownership and China aiming for resource self-sufficiency. The competition is expected to dominate the geopolitical landscape in the coming year.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Beijing ×240% Washington ×340% European Union 50% Marco Rubio 50% Allied Gold 60% Orion Critical Mineral Consortium 60% Glencore 60% Democratic Republic of Congo 70% Zijin Mining 70% Africa ×270% China ×990% United States ×890%

Keywords

critical minerals 100% us-china mineral war 90% pax silica 80% resource self-sufficiency 70% supply chains 60% trade war 50% rare earth 50% mineral access 40% strategic repositioning 40%