The rare earth strategy: How China quietly took global control

The rare earth strategy: How China quietly took global control

In the world of cutting-edge technology, from electric vehicles to fighter jets, there's a hidden engine powering it all: rare earth elements. These 17 metals may be unfamiliar to most, but they are essential to the devices and defence systems that define our modern age. And for decades, one country has quietly taken over this critical industry- China. Today, China processes over 85% of the world’s rare earths and produces 90% of the magnets derived from them. But this dominance wasn’t built overnight. It was the product of decades of strategic planning, industrial investment, and a global power vacuum that other nations allowed to grow. In this video, we explain how China gained control over the rare earth industry.