China Insider China Insider | China's Rare Earth Export Controls, UK Embassy Water Controversy, Taiwan's 114th National Day Celebrations
Oct 14, 2025
China tightens its grip on global rare earth resources, igniting discussions on its almost complete processing monopoly and the potential fallout from recent export control changes. Tensions rise with the UK as China leverages its diplomatic tactics, spotlighting concerns about a sprawling new embassy in London. Meanwhile, Taiwan celebrates its National Day with a focus on economic growth and democratic values, as President Lai unveils ambitious development plans amidst rising defense efforts to bolster security against regional threats.
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Processing, Not Mining, Is China's Leverage
- China built rare-earth processing dominance as strategic leverage for global influence.
- That processing edge, not raw mining, creates long-term geopolitical power for Beijing.
2010 Embargo Against Japan
- In 2010 China embargoed rare earth exports to Japan after a maritime dispute.
- The embargo led Japan to sue at the WTO and forced China to end the restriction in 2014.
The Real Bottleneck Is Processing Tech
- China's share of raw rare-earth mining has fallen to roughly 65–70%.
- The real bottleneck remains Chinese processing technology and equipment.