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Japan's Rare Earth Strategy: Reducing Dependence on China

12/8/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Beijing's 2025 export controls on rare earths alarm the world.
Japan faced a 2010 territorial dispute with China.
Japan has reduced dependence on Chinese rare earths, improving supply security.
Naoki Kobayashi of Japan's trade ministry said overcoming China's dominance in rare earth processing requires sustained government support and international collaboration for the United States and Europe.

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Story summary

Beijing's 2025 export controls on rare earths alarm the world.
Japan faced a 2010 territorial dispute with China.
Japan has reduced dependence on Chinese rare earths, improving supply security.
Naoki Kobayashi of Japan's trade ministry said overcoming China's dominance in rare earth processing requires sustained government support and international collaboration for the United States and Europe.