Xi’s Rare Earth Bazooka Strategy Shakes Global Markets and Supply Chains

Rare earth elements (REEs) are quietly vital. They help power electric vehicles, wind turbines, advanced electronics, and defense gear. China mines about 270,000 metric tons of rare earths in 2025, roughly 70 % of global production. Now, China is pushing a bold move. President Xi Jinping has pushed what experts call a “Bazooka Strategy”, using control over rare earths as a strategic weapon. This isn’t ga radual policy change. It is sudden, heavy-handed, and disruptive.