China’s rare earth weapon

The changing contours of a trade war battlefield.

Get full access to Reuters.com for just $1/week. Subscribe now. One Essential Read One Essential Read Recommended by Kate Turton, Newsletter Editor China has devised a precisely targeted weapon for trade war   Miners are seen at the Bayan Obo mine containing rare earth minerals, July 16, 2011. Picture taken July 16, 2011.REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo China has signalled for more than 15 years that it was looking to weaponize areas of the global supply chain. The scramble in recent weeks to secure export licences for rare earths, capped by the call between US and Chinese leaders Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, shows China has succeeded. Read the full article Sponsors are not involved in the creation of newsletters or other Reuters news content. Advertise in this newsletter or on Reuters' website Reuters One Essential Read is sent three days a week. Think your friend or colleague should know about us? Forward this newsletter to them. They can also sign up here. Want to stop receiving this email? Unsubscribe here. To manage which newsletters you're signed up for, click here. This email includes limited tracking for Reuters to understand whether you've engaged with its contents. For more information on how we process your personal information and your rights, please see our Privacy Statement. Terms & Conditions © 2025 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved. 3 Times Square, New York, NY 10036