Rare-Earth Market

Rare earths… A topic that was explored here years ago when it realized then the implications today’s press are just starting to wake up to.

See also:

US defense industry over-reliant on rare earth from China

Rare Earths Rouse Pentagon Fears

China warns of backlash if U.S. presses rare-earths case with WTO

 

 

By monopolizing the mining of rare-earth metals, China could dictate the future of high-tech.

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Beyond high-tech gadgets, rare earths play a critical role in national defense, enabling radar systems and guided missiles. Ironically, they also power clean-energy technologies, such as wind turbines and electric cars. This year, global consumption is expected to be about 155,000 tons, far more than the 45,000 tons used 25 years ago. Demand will only grow — likely at an accelerated pace — as the world tries to rein in climate change.

Riding the Nuclear Rails

Does it seem wise for the United States to disarm while China and Russia both re-arm and modernize their nuclear forces?

China developing rail mobile strategic missiles

China is building strategic long-range missile trains as part of its major nuclear forces buildup, according to new information from China and U.S. strategic specialists.

Chinese state-run television recently broadcast a program monitored in Taiwan that disclosed new details of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) rail basing system for ICBMs, including the possibility of a rail-mobile launcher. The program was uncovered and translated by Georgetown University’s Asian Arms Control Project.