China's control of rare earths has Trump on edge while signaling Beijing's long-term strategy

China's latest move in restricting rare earth exports has caught Trump off guard as Beijing flexes its economic muscle, aiming for concessions and maintaining global dependence. The sudden expansion of export restrictions by China underscores a longstanding effort to replicate U.S. technology controls, enhancing its leverage in trade negotiations and technological advancement. Representing the dominant rare-earth supplier, China seeks reciprocity in relaxing U.S. chip controls by weaponizing its control over vital global supplies. An escalating trade conflict also involves charging extra fees on each other's ships, heightening tensions amidst negotiations to lower tariffs. After a rollercoaster, fragile ceasefire, Trump threatens…