China cuts exports of vital rare earth minerals as trade war with U.S. intensifies

A new cold war is brewing over rare earth minerals

The rare earth minerals that go into magnets that power countless tech products, including EVs, are mostly controlled by China. And the country is locking its supply down.

Guest editorial: When China stops exporting rare earths, U.S. military readiness suffers

Each F-35 Lightning II aircraft contains more than 900 pounds of rare earth elements. Each Virginia-class submarine has 9,200 pounds. Permanent magnets made from these materials are used to make Tomahawk missiles, Predator drones and the Joint Direct Attack Munition…

Rare earths are not as rare as many think. But China dominates the market – so strong that security experts warn of the serious consequences of recent controls. What the West can learn from previous conflicts.

The United States and China are fighting over rare earths. Depending on how Beijing behaves, the consequences could be severe for the European Union and the United States.

China’s restrictions on rare earths could hurt U.S. health care

As the trade war worsens, Beijing has banned the export of critical minerals used in the defense industry — but also for some cancer treatments and MRI exams.

How China took over the world’s rare earths industry

China seized mines and built factories. Japan took note and invested in Australia, the US did little. Read more at straitstimes.com.