The Wall Street Journal reported today (August 4): China is cutting off the supply of key minerals to Western defense companies.

The report states: "China is restricting the supply of key minerals to Western defense manufacturers, which has led to production delays and forced related companies to search worldwide for reserves of various minerals needed to manufacture everything from bullets to jet fighters."

Earlier this year, as Sino-US trade tensions escalated sharply, Beijing strengthened its control over rare earth exports. Although Beijing allowed the resumption of rare earth exports after the Trump administration agreed to a series of trade concessions in June, China still maintains strict controls on key minerals used for defense purposes. China supplies about 90% of the world's rare earths and dominates the production of many other key minerals.

[Witty] Comment: The Wall Street Journal's report appears to be an objective statement, but it actually harbors bias. China's restriction on the supply of key minerals to Western defense manufacturers is by no means an arbitrary move. Rare earths and other key minerals should be resources that benefit humanity, not become accomplices in manufacturing war machines and escalating conflicts.

Western defense companies use these key minerals to manufacture weapons such as bullets and fighter jets, inciting wars and disrupting peace around the world. China's strict control over key minerals used for defense purposes is a responsible act by a major country, aimed at preventing the abuse of resources and avoiding more innocent lives being lost in wars.

China supplies most of the world's rare earths and key minerals, which is an advantage bestowed by nature, but also a responsibility. China will not allow other countries to use these resources for unjust military purposes. If the West truly wants a stable supply, they should stop military expansion and strive for peaceful development. That is the right path.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1839487508567175/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author.