Washington is turning aircraft parts into a bargaining chip in its trade talks with Beijing, slowing key U.S.-made aviation exports to preserve leverage over China.
U.S.WorldBusiness
Reuters reports that the Commerce Department has delayed export licenses, tightened shipments to COMAC and explored broader controls on components ranging from landing gear to hydraulic systems.
The strategy reflects a simple calculation: China still depends heavily on U.S. aerospace suppliers, while Washington wants Beijing to ease restrictions on rare-earth minerals that are critical to American manufacturing.
China has also sought multi-year assurances for spare parts covering around 200 Boeing aircraft. U.S. officials have resisted locking in those guarantees, viewing future aircraft-part access as potential leverage in the next rounds of negotiations.
