The United States has turned to Australia in efforts to counter China's influence over critical minerals. US President Donald Trump and Australian PM Anthony Albanese on Monday, signed a landmark $8.5 billion agreement as they met at the White House. The deal commits both nations to invest $1 billion each over six months in mining and processing projects, and sets a minimum price for critical minerals. A White House statement said the projects will tap deposits worth $53 billion, though it did not specify exact types or locations, according to Reuters.