Rare Earths Are China’s Trump Card by Angela Huyue Zhang

China’s dominance over the critical minerals used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, industrial robotics, and advanced defense systems was not built overnight, and it won’t be easily eroded. The sooner that US policymakers come to terms with this reality, the better.

BEIJING – China’s weaponization of rare earths has emerged as a major flash point in US-China trade negotiations. These critical materials, especially the high-performance magnets they make possible, are vital components in electric vehicles (EVs), wind turbines, industrial robotics, and advanced defense systems. In response to China’s strict rare-earths export controls, the United States has quietly lowered tariffs, relaxed export controls on AI chips, and even softened visa restrictions for Chinese students.