China's Tightened Control of Rare Earths Sparks Global Investment Rush

China's recent imposition of new export controls on rare-earth materials has sent ripples throughout the global investment landscape, leading to a surge in strategic moves by foreign companies. Introduced just before critical talks between U.S. President Trump and China's Xi Jinping, the new rules mandate that foreign companies obtain Beijing's approval prior to exporting magnets containing even trace amounts of Chinese-sourced rare earths or technology. China's dominance in the rare-earth sector is significant, with the nation controlling roughly 70% of global mining, 90% of separation and processing, and 93% of magnet manufacturing. This control positions Beijing at the helm of…