China has laid a rare earths trap for the west
The American military and Europe’s green transition both rely on critical minerals from Beijing
The American military and Europe’s green transition both rely on critical minerals from Beijing

Beijing’s tight export controls on critical minerals have strained relations with US and EU

Beijing has attempted to improve relations with Brussels since Donald Trump returned to the White House

China’s critical minerals chokepoint has been hiding in plain sight for decades

Beijing determined to retain leverage over supply by preventing buyers from building large inventories

Extensive licensing requirements raise concerns about intellectual property theft

Beijing’s success in snarling supply chains with rare earths has shifted the balance of power in trade talks