COLUMN. By unveiling restrictions on the use of these minerals essential to industry, Xi Jinping demonstrates that he has the means to dictate terms to the rest of the world. Europeans must do everything possible to secure their supplies of these components, writes Le Monde columnist Stéphane Lauer.

COLUMN. By unveiling restrictions on the use of these minerals essential to industry, Xi Jinping demonstrates that he has the means to dictate terms to the rest of the world.…

The agreements are a clear bid to reduce dependence on China, ahead of a key meeting with Xi Jinping.