U.S. Lawmaker Urges Restrictions on Chinese Airlines Amid Rare Earth Dispute

The chair of the U.S. House committee on China has urged the Trump administration to restrict or suspend Chinese airline landing rights in the United States unless Beijing restores full access to rare earths and magnets. Representative John Moolenaar, a Republican, also called for a review of U.S. export controls on commercial aircraft, parts, and maintenance services sold to China.

Moolenaar warned that China’s restrictions on rare earth supplies threaten U.S. defense and technology industries. Rare earth elements—17 critical minerals used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, lasers, and military equipment—have become a flashpoint in trade tensions. In April, China tightened export restrictions on certain rare earth products and magnets in response to U.S. tariff hikes.

He stressed that limiting Chinese airlines and reviewing aerospace trade would send a clear message to Beijing that supply disruptions come with strategic consequences.

Meanwhile, air travel between the U.S. and China remains far below approved levels. The U.S. Transportation Department recently extended a rule allowing United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines to operate just 48 flights weekly to China, compared with the 119 permitted. Chinese carriers currently match that number.

Industry reports suggest China may purchase as many as 500 Boeing planes, potentially tying aviation deals to broader trade negotiations. However, major U.S. airlines and unions previously urged Washington to block expanded Chinese flight approvals, citing Beijing’s “anti-competitive policies.”

Flights between the two countries have long been politically sensitive, with disputes intensifying during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Chinese Embassy in Washington has not yet commented on Moolenaar’s proposal, while U.S. airline groups have also declined to respond.