China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday said resource-rich countries should play a proactive role in bolstering their rare earth supply chains.

Australia’s got reserves and mining expertise, and the United States is eager to invest in alternatives to China. But building mines, refineries and factories could take years.

Australia is capable of engaging with the Trump administration while stabilizing relations with China, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said, reiterating the center-left government’s policy of balancing the fractious superpowers.