China's Strategic Dominance in Rare Earths: How Beijing Secured a Global Monopoly and Its Impact on US-China Relations

Nov 26, 2025 07:43 pm CST

China controls approximately two-thirds of global rare earths mining and dominates processing capabilities, giving Beijing significant leverage in trade negotiations with the United States. As these 17 key elements become increasingly vital for defense technologies and consumer electronics, Western nations are racing to develop alternative supply chains, though experts warn this could take years. Recent export restrictions by China have heightened tensions, despite a temporary trade truce between Presidents Trump and Xi that ensures critical mineral supply for now.