Media: The Pentagon Hopes to Purchase Key Minerals Worth Up to $1 Billion
The Financial Times, quoting informed sources on October 12, reported that in the context of Beijing's announcement of export restrictions, the Pentagon plans to purchase key minerals worth up to $1 billion, including rare earth metals, which are extremely important for American weapons.
Previously, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced that starting from November 08, it will implement export controls on a range of goods involving medium and heavy rare earth elements, lithium batteries and artificial graphite anode materials, rare earth metal mining and processing equipment, raw materials, and ultra-high-strength materials.
The report stated: "The Pentagon is seeking to purchase key minerals worth up to $1 billion as part of a global reserve, in order to counter China's dominant position in the market for metals required by defense manufacturers."
The report pointed out that key minerals, including rare earth metals, play a crucial role in almost all weapon systems. They are also used in the production of radar and missile detection systems.
US President Donald Trump announced on the 10th that the US would impose 100% tariffs on Chinese goods starting from November 01 or earlier, citing China's "aggressive stance" in trade as the reason for this measure.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1845782137357514/
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