US Signs Malaysia Minerals Deal, Argentina Bailout Talks

U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim signed a trade and critical-minerals memorandum of understanding in Kuala Lumpur to deepen economic ties and counter China’s dominance in rare earth supplies. The MOU includes measures such as extended operating licences and assurances against restrictions on sales of rare-earth magnets to the United States, and Malaysia’s Perak state expects the pact to attract U.S. investment for non‑radioactive rare earth elements and renewable-energy projects. Separately, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation is holding talks with Argentina on strategic investments in critical minerals and infrastructure that could be tied to debt‑reduction swaps. U.S. officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, have reportedly leveraged a proposed roughly $40 billion bailout to press Argentina to curb economic ties with China — seeking to limit Beijing’s access to critical minerals and uranium and to steer telecom and infrastructure business toward U.S. firms.