What are rare earths? China and other parts of Southeast Asia dominate both the mining and processing of rare earths. The country accounted for 71% of the world’s rare earths mined last year, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Outside of China, the world’s other large reserves of rare earths can be found in Brazil, Vietnam and Russia. After Xi and his top trade negotiator, the vice premier Liu He, visited a domestic rare earths facility, analysts speculated that the strategic materials could be weaponized as trade tensions escalate.

Source: Washington Post May 20, 2019 21:12 UTC