Glenn Diesen - Greater Eurasia Podcast Einar Tangen: How China Won the Economic War
Oct 23, 2025
Einar Tangen, a Senior Fellow at the Taihe Institute, dives into China’s economic strategies and the pivotal role of rare earth minerals in global supply chains. He discusses how China strengthens its position by limiting access to these critical materials, while also highlighting the risks of such maneuvers prompting countries to diversify away from reliance on China. Tangen critiques Western reactions and explores the implications of shifting to a multipolar economic landscape, shedding light on the complexities of global trade and national security.
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China's Processing Edge In Rare Earths
- China dominates processing of rare earths and is 10–15 years ahead in refining and nanoscale technology.
- This processing edge, not mining, gives China a powerful leverage over high-tech and military supply chains.
Trade Pressure Strengthened China
- China withheld its strongest economic cards until it prepared supply-chain resilience after earlier U.S. measures.
- The trade war strengthened Chinese self-reliance and left Beijing with substantial, concealed leverage.
Think Decades Ahead, Not Headlines
- Expect China to avoid rash escalations because Beijing plans long-term and assesses endgames 5–50 years ahead.
- Do not assume immediate maximal retaliation; China prefers measured moves that preserve stability.
