United States President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to expedite permits for deep-sea mining and to assess opportunities along the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) of the United States, according to the White House. The order aims to enhance domestic exploration and develop collection and processing capabilities for critical minerals such as cobalt, manganese, and copper. The OCS areas include the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic, Pacific, and Alaska regions.

Trump's directive seeks to access more than 1 billion metric tons of deep-sea nodules, positioning the United States to strengthen its supply chain for essential minerals crucial to modern technologies and national security. By boosting domestic capacity, the administration intends to reduce reliance on foreign sources and secure a competitive edge in the minerals market.

The move immediately drew sharp criticism from China. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun condemned the US executive order, asserting that no nation should bypass international law or the International Seabed Authority. Guo emphasized that activities beyond national jurisdictions must comply with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Guo accused the United States of violating international law and pursuing a unilateral, hegemonic strategy that undermines global interests. He characterized the decision as prioritizing American self-interest at the expense of collective international benefit. The US, by advancing deep-sea mining under its own regulations, further escalates competition with China over access to vital mineral resources.

The executive order marks a significant development in America's mineral policy, setting the stage for intensified global debates over resource extraction and maritime governance.