Archive · 1 Jan 2026
China's Six-Decade Rare Earths Domination Campaign
China found a lot of rare earth metals in 1964 and has been working hard to become the best at making and using them.
These metals are very important for things like electric cars, wind turbines, and even military equipment.
China has used its control over these metals to influence other countries in trade deals.
They have also been training many scientists and technicians to keep their lead in this important industry.
Recently, China has started controlling exports of these metals more strictly, which has caused some problems for other countries that rely on them.
China discovered the world's largest deposit of rare earths in 1964 near Baotou, leading to a decades-long campaign to dominate the industry.
Rare earths are essential for modern technologies like electric cars, wind turbines, and military applications, giving China significant global leverage.
China's dominance resulted from strategic planning, investment, and consolidation of the industry under government control, with key figures like Deng Xiaoping and Wen Jiabao driving the effort.
China has used rare earths as a trade weapon, imposing export controls in 2019 and 2025 to pressure other countries, particularly the United States.
China is securing its technological lead by educating hundreds of scientists and technicians and restricting the export of rare-earth processing equipment and experts.
- Who
- China, led by figures like Deng Xiaoping, Wen Jiabao, and Xi Jinping
- What
- A six-decade campaign to dominate the rare earths industry
- When
- Began in 1964, with significant developments in the 1970s, 1980s, and 2025
- Where
- Primarily in China, with global implications
- Why
- To secure a strategic resource essential for modern technology and gain leverage in global trade
- Discovery Year
- 1964
- Key Figure
- Deng Xiaoping
- Current Production Share
- 90% of global rare earths
- Military Application
- Battlefield lasers
- Export Controls
- 2019, 2025
- Strategic Resource
- Rare earth metals
- Technological Lead
- Ultra-pure dysprosium production
- Education Focus
- 39 universities with rare earth programs
