U.S. President Donald Trump departs the White House in Washington, DC en route to Palm Beach, Fla., Feb. 28. UPI-Yonhap

China is planning to add key metals to its strategic reserves of industrial metals this year in an effort to boost the resilience of critical minerals supply, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday.

The metals in discussion to be purchased include cobalt, copper, nickel and lithium, the report said, citing people familiar with the matter.

The National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration, which manages the country's official commodities stockpiles, has made price inquiries and plans to bid for some of these metals, according to the report.

China's top economic planner, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), this month indicated in its annual parliamentary report that the country aims to accelerate its efforts to stockpile strategic goods, the report added.

The NDRC did not immediately reply to a faxed request for comment.

China's industry ministry said last month the country would strengthen support for exploring domestic mineral resources including lithium, cobalt and nickel. (Reuters)