China’s dominance in the rare-earth supply chain has been a major point of concern for the global community, particularly in the context of technological development and national security. Over the past two decades, the country has maintained control over the extraction, processing, and refining of rare-earth elements, which are essential for the production of high-tech products such as smartphones, electric vehicles, and renewable energy technologies.
Despite growing international awareness of the importance of securing alternative sources of rare earths, efforts to diversify supply chains have so far produced limited results. Countries such as the United States, Japan, and members of the European Union have invested in initiatives to develop their own capabilities in mining and processing these minerals, but significant challenges remain in terms of cost, technical expertise, and environmental impact.
The inability to significantly reduce reliance on Chinese rare earths has implications for global supply chain resilience and strategic autonomy. As the demand for these materials continues to grow with the expansion of green technology and digital infrastructure, the issue of China’s control over the rare-earth supply chain remains a critical topic of discussion in international policy circles and business strategy.