Rare Earths Geopolitics: China's Strategic Monopoly and Western Response

China controls 60% of rare earth mining and 90% of processing. Essential for EVs, wind turbines, defense systems, and smartphones. China weaponized dominance in 2010 (Japan) and 2023 (gallium/germanium controls). Western alternatives need 10-15 years to develop. Stockpiles bridge months not years. Companies with non-Chinese supply gain competitive advantage.