China's Rare Earths Moves Draw Mixed Reactions

In the escalating tensions surrounding trade disagreements, China is maneuvering with its control over rare earths. The situation is complicated - portraying the United States as the aggressor while Beijing projects itself as the victim defending global economic balance. This perspective is being challenged by China's recent actions assessing the nation as a potent force willing to exert dominance over critical resources. China holds a significant stake in the global rare earths supply chain, critical for diverse technologies such as computer components, electric vehicles, and military aircraft. To counteract U.S. tariffs and technology bans, Beijing established a mechanism to regulate…