China’s Rare Earths Gamble: A Strategic Misstep

News Snapshot:

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has criticized China's potential move to stop exporting rare earths, calling it a 'real mistake.' His remarks, made in an interview with the Financial Times, highlight increasing tensions in the global supply chain of critical minerals. Bessent contends that both the U.S. and China had established a certain equilibrium in their trade relations. However, China's recent threats to leverage its rare earths could undermine this balance and complicate international relations. The strategic importance of rare earths cannot be understated, as they play a crucial role in various high-tech industries. Bessent's warning serves as a reminder...