WASHINGTON  D.C (VINnews ) – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed a memorandum of understanding with European Union Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič on Friday establishing a strategic partnership on critical minerals, aiming to diversify supply chains and reduce reliance on China.

The agreement, formalized at the State Department in Washington, seeks to strengthen transatlantic cooperation on the resources essential for economies and national security.

“This shows a growing awareness and commitment throughout the world, particularly with our allies in Europe, the importance of supply chains and critical minerals to the success of our economies and our national security,” Rubio said.

He added: “The over-concentration of these resources — the fact that they’re dominated by one or two places — is an unacceptable risk.”

The pact comes amid broader U.S. and allied efforts to secure resilient supply chains for minerals used in technology, infrastructure, defense and the green energy transition. China currently dominates global processing of many critical minerals.

Officials described the signing as a key step in building diversified, secure networks among partners. No immediate details on specific projects or timelines were released.