Op-ed: With rare earth restrictions back on radar, it's time for U.S. market to get real about Chinese lawfare

Group 1: China's Export Controls and Legal Strategies - China's new export controls on rare earth magnets require explicit approval for exports, marking a significant shift in its regulatory approach [2][6] - The export control law has become a central economic lever for China, deliberately slowing the global flow of essential materials for advanced manufacturing and defense [12][13] - China's use of "lawfare" is expanding, utilizing various laws to assert power and influence global behavior, which poses challenges for compliance among U.S. firms [4][5][9] Group 2: Implications for U.S. Firms and Global Standards - U.S. firms are increasingly facing conflicts between compliance with U.S. laws and China's expanding legal framework, highlighting the need for strategic planning [5][17] - China's efforts in global standards setting through initiatives like China Standards 2035 could lead to U.S. firms operating under rules shaped by Beijing [15][16] - The complexity of China's legal web, encompassing over 20 laws, provides Beijing with flexibility to apply pressure on foreign entities [13][14]