upepo
Elder Lister
China has approved limited rare earth exports following a call between Presidents Trump and Xi, signaling goodwill ahead of key U.S.-China trade talks in London. This strategic move underscores China's dominance in rare earth supply and its leverage in global markets, particularly in EVs, defense, and tech. Though temporary licenses have been granted to U.S. automakers, underlying tensions remain high, with both nations blaming each other for past trade setbacks. The talks aim to restore stable mineral flows and ease broader trade disputes. China’s calculated diplomacy balances cooperation with protecting its strategic edge, making the outcome of negotiations critically important.
For years, China warned that it's resources would not be available to countries that sabotaged its economy, but the West never took heed. It is now pushing back and dictating terms. The West needs a decade and humongous investments to come up with alternative sources. That route is too painful compared to halting the economic war on China, which the West will lose anyway, even sooner considering the current crop of leadership.
For years, China warned that it's resources would not be available to countries that sabotaged its economy, but the West never took heed. It is now pushing back and dictating terms. The West needs a decade and humongous investments to come up with alternative sources. That route is too painful compared to halting the economic war on China, which the West will lose anyway, even sooner considering the current crop of leadership.