Story perspectives

China's Rare-Earth Steel Fuels Global Defense Concerns

12/15/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In Baotou, Inner Mongolia, workers are transforming steel into high-performance alloys with rare-earth additives.
This advanced steel underpins major projects such as high-speed railways and a hydropower dam in Tibet.
China’s export controls and rising domestic demand have further limited supply to international buyers.
China produces about 70% of the world’s rare-earth minerals and processes 90%, fueling defense concerns in the United States about access for the F-35 and submarines.

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Story summary

In Baotou, Inner Mongolia, workers are transforming steel into high-performance alloys with rare-earth additives.
This advanced steel underpins major projects such as high-speed railways and a hydropower dam in Tibet.
China’s export controls and rising domestic demand have further limited supply to international buyers.
China produces about 70% of the world’s rare-earth minerals and processes 90%, fueling defense concerns in the United States about access for the F-35 and submarines.