China's Mineral Power: Can the West Break Free?

China's Rare Earth Dominance: A Geopolitical Tightrope China's control over a significant portion of the world's rare earth minerals has emerged as a critical geopolitical factor. This dominance, particularly in minerals vital for advanced technologies like AI chips and electric vehicles, gives China considerable leverage in the global economy. The recent escalation of technological tensions between China and the US, with the US imposing restrictions on semiconductor exports to China, has highlighted this vulnerability. "China controls over 80% of the world's rare earth minerals," states the video, underscoring the gravity of the situation. This control allows China to potentially disrupt global supply chains, impacting various industries and economies worldwide. The US, Australia, and Europe are actively working on developing alternative sources and technologies to reduce reliance on China. However, progress has been slow, expensive, and delayed, leaving the West vulnerable to potential disruptions. The video concludes with a call for increased investment and focus on building more resilient supply chains. This situation underscores the need for a more diversified and secure supply chain for critical minerals, a challenge that requires international cooperation and strategic planning.