CNN; Did rare earths factor into today's trade talks?From CNN's Laura He ------- News of a tentative resumption in trade talks following today's meeting between Xi and Trump comes just days after China moved to tighten its grip on the supply of a group of minerals the global tech industry can't live without. Chinese state media reported this week that the government of China's Jiangxi province was planning to provide support to China Southern Rare Earth Group (CSRE) the biggest producer of heavy rare earths "to increase its power and gain the upper hand and say in the resource." The report highlights China's willingness to consolidate the industry and strengthen control of rare earths production, which Beijing sees as a powerful bargaining chip in the trade war. Rare earths are 17 minerals with magnetic and conductive properties that help power most electronic devices. Heavy rare earths are vital to the production of smartphones, tablets and smart speakers. China controls more than 90% of production, according to the US Geological Survey. It also accounted for 80% of all rare earth minerals imported by the United States between 2014 and 2017.