'But I am a little concerned about what will happen if JB comes back from China without a deal."

One should not be too expectant of any early announcement. There will likely still have to be field trips, and perhaps lengthy negotiations. For instance, we still don't know whether or not the India trip produced anything worthwhile. If so, JB et al would be wise to pit these people, the Indians, against interest parties from the China trip, right? That in itself means no related annoucement in the very near term while negotiations continue.

Besides, SRK has further work to do before any drilling campaign can begin, so a JV or other funding deal would still be timely were it to be several weeks away yet.

Then, too, and perhaps more importantly, LBSR may be able to generate funds for pilot drilling without first having announced a major partner (from China or India), and that would be the best way to go, IMO. It would mean a better deal for shareholders when a JV is finally put together.

My thoughts, anyway, which is not to say things will unfold at all in any way that I suspect at this point. Surprises, good or bad, are always lurking around the corner in this business.

VP