Malaysia will maintain a ban on the export of raw rare earths to protect its domestic resources, despite signing a critical minerals deal with the United States this week, the trade minister said on Wednesday.

Beijing and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have signed an expanded free trade agreement as both sides face increased protectionism from the United States.

US and Chinese officials kicked off a new round of talks aimed at defusing a standoff between the world’s two largest economies before an upcoming leaders’ summit.

PUTRAJAYA: The successful hosting of the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits has highlighted Malaysia as a major power in world diplomacy, with the attendance of world leaders from the United States,

With politicians from both sides of the aisle raising concerns on the deal, a hearing will be held next month by the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on International Relations and International Trade.

President Trump told reporters as he flew into Japan that he expects to have a trade agreement with China finalized by the end of his tour of Asia.

Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. will expand its processing capacity of so-called heavy rare earths at its Malaysian refinery to meet increasing demand for the metals key to robotics, advanced tech and military applications.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China have signed an upgraded free trade deal at the ASEAN summit in Malaysia. The pact is expected to focus on the digital, green economy and other new sectors.