China Threatens To Hobble US Defense Industry By Limiting Export Of Rare-Earth Metals

China has been quietly exploring the economic damage it could inflict to US and European companies - including defense contractors - if they were to impose export 'restrictions' on 17 rare-earth materials, according to a report in the Financial Times.

Notably, the US government relies on these rare earths for the manufacture of F-35 jets and other sophisticated weaponry, which use them for critical components such as electrical power systems and magnets.

China Threatens To Hobble US Defense Industry By Limiting Export Of Rare-Earth Metals | ZeroHedge