The Democratic Republic of Congo’s foreign minister has welcomed closer US involvement in the country’s critical-minerals sector while rejecting the idea that it should be framed as a rivalry with China. She said Congo needs several international partners to help convert its large mineral reserves into broader prosperity, rather than being forced to choose between Washington and Beijing.

The comments come amid growing competition over critical minerals, which are important for technologies and industries including batteries and energy systems. Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner also praised a Trump-brokered peace process, while warning that sexual violence is increasing in eastern Congo.