In recent days, former U.S. President Donald Trump has again spoken strongly against China, and this time the issue is not only about trade but also about rare earth minerals. These minerals may sound small or unknown to many people, but they are very important for the modern world. They are used in making mobile phones, batteries, electric cars, computers, and even weapons. That is why they have become a big topic in global politics.
What Are Rare Earth Minerals?
Rare earth minerals are a group of 17 special metals found naturally in the earth. These include elements like neodymium, lanthanum, cerium, and dysprosium. They are called “rare” not because they are very few, but because they are difficult to mine and clean. They are often found mixed with other rocks and need special processing to be used.
These minerals are needed to make magnets, screens, chips, wind turbines, and electric vehicle batteries. Without them, many modern technologies we use every day will stop working. So, they are very valuable.
Why China Is Important in This
China controls more than 60% of the world’s rare earth production. This means that most countries depend on China to buy these materials. Even the United States and many European countries import them from China. If China stops selling, many industries could face serious problems.
China also has strong technology to process these minerals quickly and cheaply. This gives it even more power in the global market.
Trump’s Threats and His Message
Trump has warned that the United States should not depend too much on China for rare earth minerals. He said China might use its control of these minerals as a “weapon” in case of conflict or trade war. For this reason, Trump is pushing for more mining and production of these minerals inside the United States or in friendly countries.
He also said that if China uses rare earths to pressure the U.S., there could be new tariffs, bans, or trade actions from America. This is why rare earth minerals are now at the center of new political tensions between the two countries.
Why This Matters to the World
Rare earth minerals are not just about trade. They are about power, technology, and the future. If there is a shortage of these minerals, the price of phones, computers, and electric cars may go up. It can also slow down clean energy projects like solar panels and wind farms.
Many countries are now trying to find new mines or build their own factories to process these minerals. This can reduce their dependence on China.
Conclusion
Rare earth minerals may be hidden deep in the ground, but they are shining bright in world politics. Trump’s threats show how much these resources matter. They are the key to modern technology, and whoever controls them holds a strong hand in global power.
In the coming years, the world will likely see more competition over these precious minerals — and that could shape the future of trade and technology for everyone.