China has found Trump's pain point - rare earths

The article discusses China's potential use of its dominance in the rare earth elements (REEs) market as leverage against the United States. REEs are crucial for the production of a wide range of high-tech products, from smartphones to military equipment. China currently holds a near-monopoly in the processing of these elements, making it a powerful player in the global supply chain. The article suggests that China may use this advantage as a bargaining chip in the ongoing trade dispute with the United States. By threatening to restrict or limit the supply of REEs, China could potentially inflict significant economic and technological damage on the U.S. The article highlights the vulnerability of the U.S. in this regard and the need for the country to diversify its sources of REEs to reduce its dependence on China. The article emphasizes the strategic importance of REEs and the potential for China to leverage its dominance in this sector as a means of exerting pressure on the United States in the ongoing trade negotiations.