Rare earth minerals, essential for many advanced products including fighter planes, smartphones, and nuclear reactor rods, are heavily controlled by China, which dominates their mining and processing. Recently, in response to U.S. tariffs, China added seven rare earths to its export control list, further emphasizing its geopolitical strategy. Rare earths, though common in nature, are complex to process and vital for technology, especially dual-use materials with military applications. This situation underscores China's strategic power as it controls refining capacity and impacts the development of critical technologies in other major markets.
Beijing earlier this month added seven rare earths to its export control list in response to punitive tariffs imposed by Washington, amplifying geopolitical tensions.
China not only controls mining but also the vast majority of global refining capacity, giving it leverage in technology negotiations due to the dual-use applications of these minerals.
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