"It's amazing that debate still rages, in the UK and US, about the character and aims of China's expansionist regime. Its aggressive, worldwide economic empire-building, suppression of basic rights in Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Tibet, regional sabre-rattling and ubiquitous cyber-espionage, allow only one conclusion. Even as British MPs argued over whether Beijing is an enemy or an investment opportunity, Xi was providing an unequivocal answer."
"China's drastically expanded global export controls on rare-earth minerals and magnets, over which it exercises a near monopoly, are the deliberately damaging act of a hostile power. These materials are essential for manufacturing most electronic devices, including phones and cars. The security implications are alarming. Rare-earth products are used in cruise missiles, combat jets, nuclear submarines, drones and other modern weapons systems. China's new rules will prohibit their use for any military purpose. Governments are scrambling to find alternative supplies."
Donald Trump showcased self-congratulatory theatrics while preparing to meet Xi Jinping, who is gaining ground in the US-China primacy race. China's expansionist regime pursues worldwide economic empire-building, rights suppression in Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Tibet, regional sabre-rattling and cyber-espionage. Beijing has expanded global export controls on rare-earth minerals and magnets, leveraging a near-monopoly to restrict military uses and exert extraterritorial control over overseas supply chains. The embargo risks Western arms supplies to Ukraine and undermines defences against Russia. Governments and industries are urgently seeking alternative sources as trade becomes a geopolitical weapon.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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