It is certainly possible that the present contentious relationship between China and the US will have an effect on not only Rare Earth mineral development here in the U.S. but also in strategic minerals that don't otherwise qualify as being truly "Rare", such as Lithium.  This may be why we are seeing lithium stocks go up recently for many lithium mining companies, including LAC.

Anyway, much is being written about the US-China political developments.  I am posting some info I found on South China Morning Post below that illustrates this situation:

https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3087015/chinas-relations-us-are-their-lowest-30-years-dont-call-it-new-cold

https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3087206/china-unveils-plan-make-hainan-free-trade-hub-hong-kong

https://www.scmp.com/topics/us-china-trade-war

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3087221/call-china-and-us-make-efforts-avoid-total-breakdown-relations