rare earth

China dominates the production of rare earths and critical metals like cobalt and lithium.

The announcement came after China imposed export restrictions on seven rare earth elements, essential to the production of advanced technologies - including electric vehicles, fighter jets, and robots.

������ China can weaponise, however, is its near monopoly in extracting and refining rare earths, a range of elements important to advanced tech manufacturing.

The manufacturing also requires rare earth elements which are used in audio applications and cameras.

“Both economies are deeply integrated,” Zhang said, noting that China is a dominant supplier for many consumer products, including electronics and rare earth metals.