China's 'chokehold' over critical minerals has created 'life or death matter for the 21st century': experts

Core Viewpoint - China's dominance over critical minerals is a pressing issue for the U.S. and global economy, with experts labeling it a "life or death matter" for the 21st century [1][11]. Group 1: China's Control Over Critical Minerals - China controls 92% of the global processing of rare earth materials and dominates the manufacturing of battery and magnet components [2]. - The country holds most of the critical minerals essential for defense, energy technologies, and the modern economy [3]. Group 2: U.S. Dependence and Vulnerability - The U.S. is 100% import-reliant on nearly a quarter of the 50 critical minerals and over 50% reliant on 29 of them [3]. - Experts emphasize the need for the U.S. to reassess its mining policies and trade deals to mitigate reliance on China [9]. Group 3: Potential Solutions and Strategies - Lawmakers suggest leveraging partnerships with allies like Canada and Australia, which have significant rare earth resources [5]. - Experts advocate for the use of tariffs as a protective measure against China's market undercutting, while cautioning against over-reliance on tariffs [9]. Group 4: Urgency for Action - The need for immediate changes in U.S. mining and trade strategies is critical to countering China's influence [9]. - The situation is compared to historical contexts, stressing that failing to act swiftly could have dire consequences for national security and economic stability [11].