J.D. Vance

Vance is appealing to diplomats from 55 nations taking part in the conference to join the Trump administration's critical minerals trading bloc.

He says it's crazy that some critical minerals projects are struggling to attract investors.

The U.S.

blames China for flooding the market to make the world more dependent on Beijing.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio says countries should be interested in diversifying supply chains.

He calls this a top priority of the Trump administration.

Michelle Kellerman, NPR News, the State Department.

The proposal laid out by Vice President J.D.

Vance would set up a preferential trade zone for critical minerals protected from external disruptions.

Speaking at a conference of foreign ministers, Vance says the bloc would guarantee American access to industrial might and expand production globally, all to push back on China flooding the market with raw materials undercutting competitors.

Of course, good to see you.

Yeah, yeah, absolutely.

This is my ceremonial office, which I use mostly for interviews, but it's actually, I think, the most beautiful office in the complex, which is, it's sad that I never use it, but I'm glad I got to show it to you.

I'm a long way from the holler.

That's right.

How's it feeling?

How are you enjoying it?

It feels good.

I mean, look, it's the coolest job in Washington because I always joke with the president that I get to be involved in everything, but he's the one who actually has to make the decisions.

I get like all of the benefit, but not nearly the same level of pressure as the president.