Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi on US Reliance on China for Rare Earth Minerals

China's Coercion Tactics

• 🇨🇳 The CCP has weaponized interdependence, turning globalization into a trap to exert leverage over the US and its global partners.
• ⚠️ The CCP uses economic tools to punish free speech, bend democratic nations to its will, and gain more leverage, rather than upholding freedom and human rights.
• 🌍 Examples of CCP coercion include targeting Australia and Norway, and blocking rare earth exports to Japan after a territorial dispute.

US Vulnerabilities to Chinese Coercion

• 📌 The US is dangerously reliant on China for critical components, including medicines, ships, and drones.
• 💡 A primary vulnerability highlighted is the reliance on China for rare earth elements, with America depending on China for over 80% of its rare earth processing.
• ⛏️ China's control over rare earths, famously stated by Deng Xiaoping in 1992, is a result of decades of careful planning.

The Importance of Rare Earth Magnets

• 🧲 Rare earth magnets are crucial components in everyday items, powering motors in everything from toothbrushes and drills to more complex machinery.
• ⚡ China produces 90% of the world's rare earth magnets, meaning a cutoff of these elements can halt the economy.
• 🏭 An example cited is Ford shutting down a factory in Chicago due to a rare earth shortage after US tariffs prompted Chinese retaliation.

Combating CCP Coercion

• ✉️ Rep. Krishnamoorthi is urging the Commerce Department to ensure China upholds its rare earth export commitments and the State Department to work with allies on diversifying critical mineral supply chains.
• 🤝 The US must respond to CCP coercion with resolve, unity, and resilience by building collective defenses among democratic nations.
• 🏠 This includes investing at home, diversifying supply chains, and imposing coordinated responses to deter coercion.