"The shift is also raising alarm in Washington, where the House of Representatives passed the China-focused America Competes bill on February 4.

The sprawling bill aims to increase US competitiveness with China and address the country's shortage of semiconductors by strengthening the country's supply chain, "eliminating national reliance on minerals and mineral materials that are subject to supply disruptions".

The US, as well as other Western countries such as Australia and Canada, want to secure supply chains for the minerals that power important industries such as communications, aerospace and defence, and clean technology."

The above remarks come from an article in the first link provided below: 

The China lithium question: a clash of the West's corporate and strategic interests (yahoo.com)

US House passes the China-focused America Competes Act | South China Morning Post (scmp.com)

I haven't seen the follow up on the America Competes Act.  Perhaps one of you has monitored this situation more closely and can report what happened.  If it is still on the table then current events and concerns over the role of China by the US will, of course, be the major factor in its ultimate result.  At any rate, Canadian companies with proposed mining projects here in the U.S. will undoubtedly have to make adjustments in regards to their links to Chinese companies, especially to state owned Chines companies, in order to complete their plans for operations in the U.S.

Okiedo