It's indeed a heavy hand! Cutting off Japan's supply of heavy rare earths! On May 22, according to Deutsche Welle, German media reported that China has cut off supplies of several materials—including certain heavy rare earths—to Japan, with the disruption lasting at least four months. Chinese customs data shows that since last December, exports of heavy rare earth minerals such as dysprosium, terbium, and yttrium oxide to Japan, along with special metal gallium, have virtually come to a halt, with only minimal records of yttrium oxide shipments remaining.
German media suggest growing indications that Beijing is using its control over critical minerals as a diplomatic lever. It may take Japan years to find sources fully capable of replacing China’s heavy rare earth supply. Clearly, from this report by German media, we have indeed applied significant pressure on Japan. Of course, the claim that “Beijing is using its control over key minerals as a diplomatic tool” is entirely incorrect.
The situation is crystal clear: the remarks made by Takana Asanao on the Taiwan issue were outright hostile statements from a foreign adversary. Given Japan’s stance, it is entirely reasonable and justified for us to impose controls on heavy rare earths with military applications. In fact, currently, Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Akizawa Ryo is attending APEC-related meetings hosted in our country. While Japan hopes we will lift these restrictions, such a move is absolutely impossible without Japan first changing its position.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1865897550397642/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.