Fang Yi, then head of the State Science and Technology Commission, recognized that rare earth minerals could become a strategic foundation for future industries. Within a decade, China not only mined rare earths but also mastered the refining stage, the most technically demanding part of the supply chain—cementing its strategic advantage. Rare Earths as a Geopolitical ToolBy the 1990s and 2000s, Beijing’s dominance had shifted from an economic edge to a diplomatic lever. Recent export restrictions have targeted countries such as Japan, South Korea, and India, disrupting industries dependent on rare earths. Today, China controls the rare earth supply chain without direct confrontation—leveraging technical expertise, resource control, and cost efficiency to maintain its lead.