China-aligned information ops targets Western rare earth mineral firms – SC Media

A Chinese-aligned information operation known as Dragonbridge targeted American, Australian, and Canadian rare earth mineral companies in an apparent bid to shore up Chinese market dominance, researchers at Mandiant announced Tuesday. China produces the vast majority of the 17 rare earth minerals that are critical in the manufacture of electronics. As geopolitical and supply chain concerns have emerged, so has the sourcing of the rare earth minerals. China threatened an embargo of rare earths in 2019, during a trade war instituted by the Trump administration. Earlier this month, the United States, European Union and nine additional countries , including the…