CITIZENS NEWS

EU, U.S. band together to challenge China's control over rare earth metals

By gregoryv // 2025-10-15

• EU and U.S. form alliance to counter China's control over rare earth metals crucial for tech and defense.
• U.S. President Trump's administration is considering a 100 percent tariff on Chinese imports in response to China's dominance in the rare earth sector.
• The U.S. signals potential retaliation against China's rare earth export controls, citing protection of U.S. and allied interests.
• The U.S. military is stockpiling rare earths to secure its defense supply chain amid Chinese export curbs.
• Geopolitical tensions escalate as nations seek to reduce dependence on China's dominance in the rare earth metals market.

Geopolitical tensions are rising as the European Union (EU) and the U.S. join forces to counter China's restrictive measures on rare earth exports, a move that could significantly disrupt global tech and defense supply chains. China, the world's leading producer of these critical minerals, has tightened its grip, sparking a scramble among other nations to secure alternative sources. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, rare earth metals are a group of 17 elements that are essential for modern technology, including magnets, electronics and renewable energy. However, their extraction and use are fraught with environmental and ethical concerns, as they are often mined in ways that harm the environment and exploit workers, particularly in China, which controls much of the global supply. The push for a green energy transition, driven by globalist agendas, often overlooks the environmental and social costs of rare earth mining, which can be as harmful as the technologies they are meant to replace. The EU is exploring partnerships with the U.S. and the Group of Seven (G7) nations to mitigate the impact of China's export controls. Trade officials from these entities have been in discussions to find ways to counter China's strategic advantage in the rare earth sector. This collaboration signals a united front against China's dominance, which has been a source of concern for many nations. In response to China's actions, U.S. President Donald Trump's administration is considering fast-tracking a 100 percent tariff on Chinese imports if Beijing escalates the rare earth fight. This move, hinted at by U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, underscores the U.S.'s commitment to protecting its interests and those of its allies in the face of China's export controls. U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and other officials have criticized China's rare earth export controls, suggesting that the country aims to drag down other economies as its own economic growth slows. China's recent actions have strained relations with the U.S. and European nations, raising concerns about potential retaliation and further escalation of tensions.

Military implications

The U.S. military is taking steps to secure its supply of rare earths amid China's export curbs. The Pentagon is stockpiling these critical minerals to ensure a steady supply, highlighting the strategic importance of rare earths in military applications. The potential disruption of these supply chains could have significant implications for global defense and security. The escalating geopolitical tensions over rare earth metals and technology underscore the critical role these minerals play in the global economy and defense sector. As China tightens its grip on the rare earth market, other nations are scrambling to secure alternative sources and reduce dependence on Beijing. The EU-U.S. alliance and potential U.S. trade measures signal a united front against China's dominance, setting the stage for further geopolitical maneuvering in the rare earth sector. U.S. soybean exports to China have plummeted. Watch this video to know more. This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com RT.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com

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