China on Thursday affirmed a trade deal announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, saying both sides needed to abide by the consensus and adding China always kept its word. The deal, reached after Trump and China's President Xi Jinping spoke on the telephone last week,

The deal removes Chinese export restrictions on rare earths minerals and allows Chinese students access to U.S. universities.

Beijing has gained time to build up its own strengths by drawing out negotiations with the United States, using its chokehold over critical minerals.