China’s New Oil: Rare Earths and Geopolitical Leverage

by Nato Balavadze

In this paper we discuss:

• How rare earths have become the new oil of geopolitics;
• China’s rare earth controls: a strategic response to escalating trade tensions;
• How fragile global supply chains are;
• Why EU presses China on rare earths amid supply fears;
• The United States’ rare earth vulnerability: a strategic weakness in defense.

Download PDF: China Oil July 2025