As tensions with the west have intensified, Beijing has shown its readiness to weaponise its control over rare earths. A wave of new Chinese export restrictions on the group of 17 metallic elements this year has unsettled manufacturers worldwide that depend on them to produce everything from smart devices and electric vehicles to military equipment. Alternatives remain limited: China accounts for 66 per cent of all mined supply and 88 per cent of global refined supply. Following the October 30 summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Beijing delayed some of its planned controls. But the demonstration of dominance was made.
隨著與西方的緊張關系加劇，北京展現出將其對稀土的控制武器化的意愿。今年中國對這17種金屬元素的一系列新出口限制，令全球依賴它們生產從智能設備、電動汽車到軍事裝備等各類產品的制造商感到不安。替代選擇仍然有限：中國占全球稀土開采供應的66%，精煉供應的88%。在10月30日美國總統唐納德?特朗普(Donald Trump)與中國國家主席習近平(Xi Jinping)的峰會之后，北京推遲了部分計劃中的管控。但其展現的主導地位已然確立。