"WASHINGTON -- The Obama administration is bringing a new trade case against China that seeks to pressure the rising economic power to end its export restrictions on key materials used to manufacture hybrid car batteries, flat-screen televisions and other high-tech goods."

"The new trade initiative being announced Tuesday is another effort aimed at leveling the playing field for U.S. companies.

Senior Obama administration officials say the U.S. will ask the World Trade Organization to facilitate talks with China over its curtailment of exports of rare earth minerals. The U.S. is bringing the case to the WTO along with the European Union and Japan, the officials said."

Julie Pace reports for the Associated Press March 13, 2012. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"China Warns of Backlash If U.s. Presses Rare Earths Case With WTO" (Los Angeles Times) [3]