"Rare earths are extremely valuable metallic elements that are not only found in smartphones and electric cars, but also in weapons. Among other things, they are used in the construction of fighter jets and submarines. In addition, rare earths are found in specially hardened ammunition and armored vehicles, in propulsion systems and sensor technology. More than 400 kilos of rare earths are used in one F-35 stealth bomber alone."
"The lion's share of the rare earths processed in Germany comes from China, and this is precisely where the problem lies: As a result of the tariffs dispute with the US, Beijing announced at the beginning of October that it would once again drastically tighten its already strict export rules. China threatened to stop exporting rare earths needed for military purposes. Moreover, companies applying in China to export materials are now required to submit detailed information, some of which is confidential."
Rare earth elements are critical for civilian electronics and military systems, including fighter jets, submarines, hardened ammunition, armored vehicles, propulsion systems, and sensors. One F-35 stealth bomber contains more than 400 kilos of rare earths. Most rare earths processed in Germany originate from China. In response to a tariffs dispute with the United States, China announced in early October that it would further tighten export controls and threatened to halt exports of rare earths for military purposes. Chinese exporters now must submit detailed and sometimes confidential end-use information. German arms manufacturers view these requirements as industrial espionage and an attack on Western rearmament.
Read at www.dw.com
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