China's metal control threatens Western military industry

China and the U.S. have reached an agreement to resolve export restrictions on rare earth metals, crucial for military and technological applications, easing tensions in their ongoing trade dispute. The agreement, reached in London, allows for the resumption of exports from China, which controls a significant portion of the world's rare earth metal production and refining, impacting industries like defense and electric vehicles. The U.S. relies heavily on China for these materials. China's previous export delays, particularly of samarium, highlighted its strategic advantage in the trade war, as these metals are essential for Western military technology, including the F-35 fighter jet.