Xi Is Driving Japan, US From Economic Defense to Offense Against China, Analyst Says

Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s actions regarding rare earths have prompted Japan and the United States to strengthen their economic defenses and potentially engage in offensive economic strategies against China. According to expert Grant Newsham, China’s control over rare earth mining and processing is driving free nations to reduce their reliance on Chinese sources. This move by Xi is encouraging cooperation between Japan and the U.S. to protect their economies.

• China’s rare-earth squeeze on Japan is leading to increased cooperation between Japan and the U.S.
• This cooperation is focused on ‘economic defense’ and potentially ‘economic offense’ against China.
• China controls a significant portion of global rare earth mining, refining, and processing.
• Expert Grant Newsham believes China’s actions will drive free nations to decouple and reduce reliance on Chinese materials.
• Xi Jinping’s strategy is spurring the Japanese and Americans to work together.