China's Dominance in Rare Earths: A Looming Threat to US Security

China's Grip on Rare Earths: A Growing Concern for the US China's dominance in the rare earth mineral market is raising concerns in the United States, particularly regarding potential supply chain disruptions and strategic vulnerability. The US fears a repeat of past situations, such as Japan's dependence on China for these vital resources. Rare earth minerals are essential components in various technologies, from smartphones to military equipment. China controls approximately 99% of the world's rare earth processing capacity. This dominance gives China significant leverage in international relations and trade negotiations. "The dependence on China for rare earth minerals poses a significant risk to our national security," stated a US official (although not directly quoted in this video). The video showcases the scale of China's mining and processing operations, emphasizing the vast difference in capacity compared to other nations. This control allows China to influence global markets and potentially restrict the supply of these critical materials to rivals. The US is actively working to diversify its sources of rare earth minerals and develop domestic processing capabilities to reduce its reliance on China. However, this is a long-term process, and the immediate concerns remain significant. The situation underscores the importance of secure and diversified supply chains for critical resources in the context of global geopolitical competition.