US Politician Advocates for Aviation Limits against China due to Control of Rare Earths
In the evolving dynamics of the US-China relationship, a new frontier has emerged: rare earth elements (REEs). These 17 metallic elements, including neodymium, dysprosium, and lanthanum, are relatively abundant in the Earth's crust but rarely occur in concentrated, economically viable deposits. China's dominance in the rare earth market, due to decades of strategic investment in mining and processing capabilities and less stringent environmental regulations, has left the US vulnerable.
As trade tensions escalate, China has various options for retaliation in response to potential US airline restrictions. These might include further restrictions on rare earth exports, cancellation of Boeing aircraft orders, limitations on US business operations within China, targeting of other US export sectors, and reduction in cooperation on climate initiatives or North Korea.
The aviation sector's involvement in broader trade issues is increasing, and if implemented, airline restrictions could reduce flight options and potentially increase prices for travel between the US and China. This situation is prompting a shift in global supply chains towards more resilient, regional networks.
The dispute is not only affecting the aviation industry but also shedding light on the broader issue of rare earth dependency. Strategic approaches to reducing this dependency include development of domestic mining operations, investment in processing and refining capabilities, research into recycling technologies, material science research to develop alternatives, international partnerships to diversify supply sources, and strategic reserves to buffer against supply disruptions.
Solving the rare earth dependency issue requires long-term strategies spanning government policy, private investment, technological innovation, and international cooperation. Complete substitution of rare earth elements remains challenging in the near term due to their unique properties in high-performance technologies.
One such approach to addressing rare earth dependency challenges through international cooperation is the European CRM facility. A prominent US parliamentarian has also proposed boosting domestic mining and processing capacity to counter China's export restrictions on rare earth elements.
The US-China relationship is evolving towards strategic competition alongside necessary cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The potential Boeing deal, if realized, could significantly impact China's economy, adding another layer of complexity to this relationship. As both nations navigate this challenging terrain, the race to secure a self-sufficient rare earth supply chain continues, requiring significant investment and time.
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