China restricts export of metals vital for making electronics

China has imposed new restrictions on the export of rare earth metals, which are essential for manufacturing a wide range of electronic devices, including smartphones, computers, and military equipment. This move is seen as a strategic decision by the Chinese government to leverage its dominant position in the global rare earth market as a bargaining chip in ongoing trade negotiations with the United States. Rare earth elements are crucial for the production of numerous high-tech products, and China currently controls over 90% of the world's supply. The new export restrictions are likely to increase the cost and availability of these materials globally, potentially disrupting the supply chains of various industries that rely on them. The decision reflects China's growing assertiveness in using its economic and technological clout to advance its interests on the global stage. It also highlights the importance of diversifying the supply of critical raw materials, as the dependence on a single country for such a strategic resource can create significant vulnerabilities for other nations.