This book examines how, over the course of several decades, China has built an integrated system for the mining, refining, and manufacture of rare earths and critical minerals. Addressing concerns regarding China’s increasingly assertive international posture, including its ability to manipulate the prices and availability of these commodities, the book discusses efforts to develop supply chains that exclude China noting the advantages of state capitalism over market shareholder capitalism that have allowed China to extend its dominance of rare earths and critical minerals. It also details how the U.S. and partner countries remain inhibited by changes in policies that discourage investors, differing views among its members, concerns with the effects of mining on the environment and difficulties in obtaining the support of affected populations. Demonstrating how the gap between China and concerned countries appears to be widening despite undoubted progress in developing supply chains independent of China, this book will be a valuable resource for students and scholars of International Political Economy as well as Chinese Economics and Politics.
