China Rare Earth Monopoly: The Strategic Mineral That Controls Modern Technology

China controls 60% of rare earth mining and 90% of processing globally. These minerals are essential for EV motors, wind turbines, smartphones, and defense systems including F-35 fighters and guided missiles. China has twice weaponized this dominance: restricting exports to Japan in 2010 and controlling gallium and germanium in 2023. Developing alternative supply chains requires 10-15 years from mine discovery to production. The West's MP Materials and Australia's Lynas are scaling but remain far behind China's vertically integrated ecosystem.