“The sweep of China’s new rare earths controls struck many observers as a dramatic escalation.
The controls prohibit any shipments of critical materials to producers of military equipment in Europe and the United State and bar the transfer out of China of equipment or information that would help other countries establish their own production.” [1]
Without rare earths missiles and airplanes will not fly, drones and robots will not move, electronic equipment will not work. President Trump is right being extremely nervous.
Many modern high-tech missiles, airplanes, drones, robots, and electronic equipment are highly dependent on rare earth elements (REEs). They enable the powerful, miniaturized magnets and components necessary for advanced performance in these systems. China's control over the rare earth supply chain creates a significant vulnerability for global defense and technology sectors.(https://radar.rp.pl/przemysl-obronny/art43154471-chiny-blokuja-zachodnia-zbrojeniowke)
Role of rare earths in military and robotics
Aerospace and missiles: Rare earth elements are crucial for key defense technologies, including:
Fighter jets: An F-35 fighter jet contains approximately 900 pounds of rare earth materials, used in flight controls, radar, lasers, and targeting systems.
Submarines: Nuclear submarines require thousands of kilograms of REEs for propulsion, sonar, and guidance systems.
Missiles: Rare earth magnets drive the servomotors in the fins of precision-guided munitions like the Tomahawk missile and JDAMs.
Drones and robotics: REEs are essential for the electric motors that power modern drones and robots. Their unique magnetic properties allow for lightweight, powerful, and efficient motors, enabling greater flight time and payload capacity for drones, and precise movements for robots.
Sensors and optics: Some REEs, such as yttrium and europium, are used in displays, camera sensors, and night vision systems that provide critical vision for drones and robots.
Importance in electronics
Many modern electronic devices would be impossible to manufacture without rare earth elements, which are used for their unique magnetic, phosphorescent, and catalytic properties.
Smartphones: A single smartphone contains several rare earth elements. They are found in the speakers, circuitry, and screen, where they produce the colors.
Semiconductors and chips: REEs are vital ingredients in the capacitors of computer chips that power artificial intelligence servers and smartphones.
Displays and lighting: Lanthanum is used in camera lenses, while yttrium, terbium, and europium help produce the red, green, and blue colors in LED and LCD screens.
1. China Flexed. Trump Hit Back. So Much for the Thaw.: News Analysis. Wang, Vivian; Bradsher, Keith. New York Times (Online) New York Times Company. Oct 11, 2025.
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