How China Proved It Can Shut Down Global Auto Production

China dominates the global supply of several critical minerals, and for some years the country has been restricting exports slowly at first. Then quickly, in April 2024, the problem came to a head. China all but completely cut off access to several crucial materials in its trade dispute with the United States.At the center of it is a class of minerals called rare earth elements. They're used in a wide array of products, anything from airplanes to electronics, even sports equipment. It is hitting our defense ...