The Australian company Lynas Rare Earths Ltd said on Friday that they were the target of a number of cyber-attacks from social media accounts possibly linked to the Chinese Communist Party.

According to cyber security firm Mandiant, the main motive behind the cyber-attacks is to destabilise the investment plans of Western companies when it comes to rare earth mineral deposits.&nbsp;

Beijing is currently the leader in that sector and according to AFP, Mandiant believes they do not want to lose their position. As a result, they have been running false information campaigns.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarusian-warplanes-ready-to-carry-nuclear-arms-says-putins-ally-lukashenko-510541" hreflang="en">Belarusian warplanes ready to carry nuclear arms, says Putin's ally Lukashenko</a>

An example cited by Lynas was that the Chinese social media accounts attempted to sway public opinion against a plant that the company is currently building in Texas along with US government.

“We see bot posts on various social media channels every day and we report them every day, and it’s quite frustrating,” Lynas chief executive officer Amanda Lacaze told Bloomberg.

&nbsp;“It’s very easy to see the bot posts and the messages are exactly the same.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hacks-and-thugs-donald-trump-lashes-out-as-fbi-cites-evidence-of-obstruction-in-mar-a-lago-raid-510527">Trump lashes out as FBI cites 'evidence of obstruction' in Mar-a-Lago raid</a>

The cyberattacks were first spotted by Mandiant and they believed that the “Dragonbridge” campaign was the work of a “People’s Republic of China (PRC) network”. According to Bloomberg, the report by Mandiant also said that Canada’s Appia Rare Earths &amp; Uranium Corp is another target.

In the recent past, the minerals have gained a lot of popularity due to their usage in providing clean energy as well as military equipment. As a result, China are keen to continue their domination as the top producer of rare earths and that is being seen as the main reasons behind these recent attacks.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE -

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The Australian company Lynas Rare Earths Ltd said on Friday that they were the target of a number of cyber-attacks from social media accounts possibly linked to the Chinese Communist Party.

The Australian company Lynas Rare Earths Ltd said on Friday that they were the target of a number of cyber-attacks from social media accounts possibly linked to the Chinese Communist Party. According to cyber security firm Mandiant, the main motive behind the cyber-attacks is to destabilise the investment plans of Western companies when it comes to rare earth mineral deposits. Beijing is currently the leader in that sector and according to AFP, Mandiant believes they do not want to lose their position. As a result, they have been running false information campaigns. Also read | Belarusian warplanes ready to carry nuclear arms, says Putin's ally Lukashenko An example cited by Lynas was that the Chinese social media accounts attempted to sway public opinion against a plant that the company is currently building in Texas along with US government. “We see bot posts on various social media channels every day and we report them every day, and it’s quite frustrating,” Lynas chief executive officer Amanda Lacaze told Bloomberg. “It’s very easy to see the bot posts and the messages are exactly the same.” Also read | Trump lashes out as FBI cites 'evidence of obstruction' in Mar-a-Lago raid The cyberattacks were first spotted by Mandiant and they believed that the “Dragonbridge” campaign was the work of a “People’s Republic of China (PRC) network”. According to Bloomberg, the report by Mandiant also said that Canada’s Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp is another target. In the recent past, the minerals have gained a lot of popularity due to their usage in providing clean energy as well as military equipment. As a result, China are keen to continue their domination as the top producer of rare earths and that is being seen as the main reasons behind these recent attacks. WATCH WION LIVE HERE -

Rare earth minerals producer becomes target of China-backed cyberattacks

Two senators in the United States have proposed a law aiming to end China's alleged "chokehold" on rare-earth metal supplies.

The bill, sponsored by Senators Tom Cotton, an Arkansas Republican, and Mark Kelly, an Arizona Democrat, is the latest in a string of US legislation seeking to thwart China's near control over the sector.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-chinas-weapon-of-choice-in-trade-war-rare-earth-metals-224003/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to Cotton, "The Chinese Communist Party has a chokehold on global rare-earth element supplies, which are used in everything from batteries to fighter jets."

"Ending America's dependence on the CCP for extraction and processing of these elements is critical to winning the strategic competition against China and protecting our national security," he said.

The senator, who sits on the Senate's Armed Forces and Intelligence committees, described China's evolution into the global rare earths leader as "simply a policy choice that the United States made," adding that he hoped fresh policies would loosen Beijing's grip.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-are-rare-earth-elements-chinas-secret-weapon-437898">Also read |&nbsp;Why are 'rare earth elements' China's secret weapon?</a>

As per the United States Geological Survey (USGS), eighty percent of the United States' rare-earth imports in 2019 were from China.

The bill aims to "protect America from the threat of rare-earth element supply disruptions, encourage domestic production of those elements, and reduce our reliance on China", the statement said.&nbsp;

"Our bipartisan bill will strengthen America's position as a global leader in technology by reducing our country's reliance on adversaries like China for rare earth elements," Kelly said in the statement.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/australia-us-and-canada-launch-interactive-map-for-critical-minerals-394662">Also read |&nbsp;Australia, US and Canada launch interactive map for critical minerals</a>

"Well placed policies such as this one get us closer to the target of onshoring this critical supply chain," said Marty Weems, North American president of Australia-based American Rare Earths Ltd, which is developing three US&nbsp;rare earth projects.

MP Materials Corp , which operates the only US&nbsp;rare earths mine and relies on Chinese processors, said it appreciates "ongoing efforts by the Department of Defense and broader US&nbsp;government to secure the domestic rare earth supply chain and promote free and fair competition."

With 44 million tons of reserves, China possesses some of the largest deposits of rare-earth metals, according to the USGS, and benefits from looser environmental regulations than many of its competitors.

Beijing has used these deposits to exert political pressure. In 2010, China halted rare-earth exports to Japan in retaliation over a territorial dispute.&nbsp;

Two senators in the United States have proposed a law aiming to end China's alleged "chokehold" on rare-earth metal supplies. The bill, sponsored by Senators Tom Cotton, an Arkansas Republican, and Mark Kelly, an Arizona Democrat, is the latest in a string of US legislation seeking to thwart China's near control over the sector.

Two senators in the United States have proposed a law aiming to end China's alleged "chokehold" on rare-earth metal supplies. The bill, sponsored by Senators Tom Cotton, an Arkansas Republican, and Mark Kelly, an Arizona Democrat, is the latest in a string of US legislation seeking to thwart China's near control over the sector. According to Cotton, "The Chinese Communist Party has a chokehold on global rare-earth element supplies, which are used in everything from batteries to fighter jets." "Ending America's dependence on the CCP for extraction and processing of these elements is critical to winning the strategic competition against China and protecting our national security," he said. The senator, who sits on the Senate's Armed Forces and Intelligence committees, described China's evolution into the global rare earths leader as "simply a policy choice that the United States made," adding that he hoped fresh policies would loosen Beijing's grip. Also read | Why are 'rare earth elements' China's secret weapon? As per the United States Geological Survey (USGS), eighty percent of the United States' rare-earth imports in 2019 were from China. The bill aims to "protect America from the threat of rare-earth element supply disruptions, encourage domestic production of those elements, and reduce our reliance on China", the statement said. "Our bipartisan bill will strengthen America's position as a global leader in technology by reducing our country's reliance on adversaries like China for rare earth elements," Kelly said in the statement. Also read | Australia, US and Canada launch interactive map for critical minerals "Well placed policies such as this one get us closer to the target of onshoring this critical supply chain," said Marty Weems, North American president of Australia-based American Rare Earths Ltd, which is developing three US rare earth projects. MP Materials Corp , which operates the only US rare earths mine and relies on Chinese processors, said it appreciates "ongoing efforts by the Department of Defense and broader US government to secure the domestic rare earth supply chain and promote free and fair competition." With 44 million tons of reserves, China possesses some of the largest deposits of rare-earth metals, according to the USGS, and benefits from looser environmental regulations than many of its competitors. Beijing has used these deposits to exert political pressure. In 2010, China halted rare-earth exports to Japan in retaliation over a territorial dispute.

US senators introduce bill to end China's 'chokehold' on America's rare earth supplies

'War by other means' is something nations employ on each other. Any action to cripple the economy of the adversary, such as sanctions, is one example.

In the past two years, we have seen how, in our interconnected world, a virus can be much more lethal in comparison to bullets or bombs. It's not yet clear if it originated naturally, deliberately, or accidentally.&nbsp;

Even as that debate rages, a new battle is brewing below the radar for a secret ingredient that will act as a significant weapon.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinas-jiangxi-copper-mcc-to-develop-mes-aynak-copper-mine-413228/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

These all-powerful elements are called ''rare earths'' and they can fuel our future.

They are a set of 17 metallic elements that already rule our lives. Scandium and Yttrium along with 15 lanthanides on the periodic table come under the category of rare earth elements (REE).

From smartphones to supersonic jets, they are the secret ingredients to almost every scientific wonder.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-education-to-bitcoin-chinas-season-of-regulatory-crackdown-401448">Also see |&nbsp;From education to bitcoin, China's season of regulatory crackdown</a>

China accounts for 97 per cent of the global production of these elements as per the US Geological Survey. The country's government is trying to alter the number of rare earth elements that can be exported.

These elements are precious and extremely rare because of their distribution. They are not found in big deposits and are expensive.

It is difficult to mine and refine them are they are spread all across the world. The distribution of the rare earth elements is as follows:

China-44 million metric ton 
Australia-22 million metric ton 
Vietnam-22 million metric ton 
Russia-12 million metric ton 
India-6.9 million metric ton 
Brazil-3.4 million metric ton 
United States-1.4 million metric ton

Despite being fairly abundant, rare earth elements are hard to find. In China, they are concentrated in three mines.&nbsp;

These include mines located in Mongolia, Huanan, Guangxi, Jiangxi, Fujian, Guangdong, and the province of Sichuan. These areas account for 98 per cent of China's total rare earth elements.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-bidens-son-helped-china-get-control-over-vast-cobalt-mine-in-africa-report-432925">Also read |&nbsp;Joe Biden's son helped China get control over vast cobalt mine in Africa: Report</a>

China uses them as components of over 200 products across a wide range of applications such as high-tech consumer products and defence applications such as guidance and radar systems.

A dearth of rare earth products disrupt climate economy products wind turbines and throws electric vehicle battery manufacturers into disarray.

Deng Xiaoping, the former paramount leader of China said that ''The Middle East has oil and China has rare earths.''

Chinese President Xi Jinping is trying to hoard these elements by restricting their export by a number of Sino foreign joint venture companies.

While the United States is at loggerheads with China, it still continues to export 80 of its rare earth elements from China.

China is using them as a political weapon or bargaining chip to threaten the US several times that will halt its supply if it continues to impose sanctions on it.

As a backup plan, it is investing heavily in South America and that includes securing critical minerals.

In a multi-pronged approach, it has invested $780 million in Venezuela, out of which $180 million is specifically dedicated to nickel mining.

It has a 55 per cent stake in Chile and Peru's copper reserves and a 49 per cent stake in Bolivia's lithium industry.

China has invested $36 billion in Sub-Saharan Africa and has owned 60 per cent of the cobalt reserves in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Does the world have other options?

Yes, there are other countries with large deposits of rare earth elements that can feed the needs of the American and European markets and end China's monopoly. These countries include Australia, Vietnam, India, Brazil, and Canada.

India was one of the first countries to recognise the importance of these minerals. The country established a government company called Indian Rare Earths Limited in 1950 that was based in Mumbai.

Despite having that advantage, the progress of extracting these rare earth elements got buried under red tape.

The industry for these elements is still under-used in comparison with its true potential.

The minerals lie buried in Indian soil and the country has the world's fifth-largest reserve of them.

The deposits and mostly located in the states of Kerala, Andra Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and the northeastern states.

According to an estimate by Beach Minerals Producers Association, the domestic supply chain of rare earth elements in India can be worth Rs 90,000 crore ($12 billion) in annual turnover if it is revived.

The industry can provide capital employment of approximately Rs 121,000 crore ($16 billion). This will include a massive foreign exchange of Rs 50,000 crore ($6 billion) as the same estimate.

'War by other means' is something nations employ on each other. Any action to cripple the economy of the adversary, such as sanctions, is one example. In the past two years, we have seen how, in our interconnected world, a virus can be much more lethal in comparison to bullets or bombs.

'War by other means' is something nations employ on each other. Any action to cripple the economy of the adversary, such as sanctions, is one example. In the past two years, we have seen how, in our interconnected world, a virus can be much more lethal in comparison to bullets or bombs. It's not yet clear if it originated naturally, deliberately, or accidentally. Even as that debate rages, a new battle is brewing below the radar for a secret ingredient that will act as a significant weapon. These all-powerful elements are called ''rare earths'' and they can fuel our future. They are a set of 17 metallic elements that already rule our lives. Scandium and Yttrium along with 15 lanthanides on the periodic table come under the category of rare earth elements (REE). From smartphones to supersonic jets, they are the secret ingredients to almost every scientific wonder. Also see | From education to bitcoin, China's season of regulatory crackdown China accounts for 97 per cent of the global production of these elements as per the US Geological Survey. The country's government is trying to alter the number of rare earth elements that can be exported. These elements are precious and extremely rare because of their distribution. They are not found in big deposits and are expensive. It is difficult to mine and refine them are they are spread all across the world. The distribution of the rare earth elements is as follows: China-44 million metric ton Australia-22 million metric ton Vietnam-22 million metric ton Russia-12 million metric ton India-6.9 million metric ton Brazil-3.4 million metric ton United States-1.4 million metric ton Despite being fairly abundant, rare earth elements are hard to find. In China, they are concentrated in three mines. These include mines located in Mongolia, Huanan, Guangxi, Jiangxi, Fujian, Guangdong, and the province of Sichuan. These areas account for 98 per cent of China's total rare earth elements. Also read | Joe Biden's son helped China get control over vast cobalt mine in Africa: Report China uses them as components of over 200 products across a wide range of applications such as high-tech consumer products and defence applications such as guidance and radar systems. A dearth of rare earth products disrupt climate economy products wind turbines and throws electric vehicle battery manufacturers into disarray. Deng Xiaoping, the former paramount leader of China said that ''The Middle East has oil and China has rare earths.'' Chinese President Xi Jinping is trying to hoard these elements by restricting their export by a number of Sino foreign joint venture companies. While the United States is at loggerheads with China, it still continues to export 80 of its rare earth elements from China. China is using them as a political weapon or bargaining chip to threaten the US several times that will halt its supply if it continues to impose sanctions on it. As a backup plan, it is investing heavily in South America and that includes securing critical minerals. In a multi-pronged approach, it has invested $780 million in Venezuela, out of which $180 million is specifically dedicated to nickel mining. It has a 55 per cent stake in Chile and Peru's copper reserves and a 49 per cent stake in Bolivia's lithium industry. China has invested $36 billion in Sub-Saharan Africa and has owned 60 per cent of the cobalt reserves in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Does the world have other options? Yes, there are other countries with large deposits of rare earth elements that can feed the needs of the American and European markets and end China's monopoly. These countries include Australia, Vietnam, India, Brazil, and Canada. India was one of the first countries to recognise the importance of these minerals. The country established a government company called Indian Rare Earths Limited in 1950 that was based in Mumbai. Despite having that advantage, the progress of extracting these rare earth elements got buried under red tape. The industry for these elements is still under-used in comparison with its true potential. The minerals lie buried in Indian soil and the country has the world's fifth-largest reserve of them. The deposits and mostly located in the states of Kerala, Andra Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and the northeastern states. According to an estimate by Beach Minerals Producers Association, the domestic supply chain of rare earth elements in India can be worth Rs 90,000 crore ($12 billion) in annual turnover if it is revived. The industry can provide capital employment of approximately Rs 121,000 crore ($16 billion). This will include a massive foreign exchange of Rs 50,000 crore ($6 billion) as the same estimate.

Why are 'rare earth elements' China's secret weapon?

The Biden administration on Tuesday planned to issue a swath of actions and recommendations meant to address supply chain disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic and decrease reliance on other countries for crucial goods by increasing domestic production capacity.

In a call Monday evening detailing the plan to reporters, White House officials said the administration had created a task force that would “tackle near-term bottlenecks” in construction, transportation, semiconductor production and agriculture.

The officials also outlined steps that had been taken to address an executive order from President Joe Biden that required a review of critical supply chains in four product areas where the United States relies on imports: semiconductors, high-capacity batteries, pharmaceuticals and their active ingredients, and critical minerals and strategic materials, like rare earths.

“This is about making sure the United States can meet every challenge we face in the new era,” Biden said in February, when he signed the order.

The review has been governmentwide, the officials said: Cabinet members were ordered to provide reports to the White House within 100 days. The move was intended to address concerns about supply chain resiliency and long-term competition with China.

The Department of Health and Human Services, for instance, will use $60 million from the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill to develop technologies to increase domestic production of active ingredients in key pharmaceuticals.

The Interior Department will work to identify sites where critical minerals could be produced in the United States. And several agencies will work on creating supply chains for new technologies that will reduce reliance on imports of key materials.

The Biden administration also signalled that it was prepared to use trade policy to bolster domestic supplies of key minerals and components. As part of that effort, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said it would establish a strike force that could propose actions against overseas companies deemed to be engaged in unfair trade practices.

The Commerce Department will evaluate whether to investigate the global trade of neodymium magnets under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. The Trump administration wielded that law to impose tariffs on foreign steel and aluminium after concluding that domestic production of those materials was essential for national security.

The Biden administration on Tuesday planned to issue a swath of actions and recommendations meant to address supply chain disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic and decrease reliance on other countries for crucial goods by increasing domestic production capacity.

The Biden administration on Tuesday planned to issue a swath of actions and recommendations meant to address supply chain disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic and decrease reliance on other countries for crucial goods by increasing domestic production capacity. In a call Monday evening detailing the plan to reporters, White House officials said the administration had created a task force that would “tackle near-term bottlenecks” in construction, transportation, semiconductor production and agriculture. The officials also outlined steps that had been taken to address an executive order from President Joe Biden that required a review of critical supply chains in four product areas where the United States relies on imports: semiconductors, high-capacity batteries, pharmaceuticals and their active ingredients, and critical minerals and strategic materials, like rare earths. “This is about making sure the United States can meet every challenge we face in the new era,” Biden said in February, when he signed the order. The review has been governmentwide, the officials said: Cabinet members were ordered to provide reports to the White House within 100 days. The move was intended to address concerns about supply chain resiliency and long-term competition with China. The Department of Health and Human Services, for instance, will use $60 million from the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill to develop technologies to increase domestic production of active ingredients in key pharmaceuticals. The Interior Department will work to identify sites where critical minerals could be produced in the United States. And several agencies will work on creating supply chains for new technologies that will reduce reliance on imports of key materials. The Biden administration also signalled that it was prepared to use trade policy to bolster domestic supplies of key minerals and components. As part of that effort, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said it would establish a strike force that could propose actions against overseas companies deemed to be engaged in unfair trade practices. The Commerce Department will evaluate whether to investigate the global trade of neodymium magnets under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. The Trump administration wielded that law to impose tariffs on foreign steel and aluminium after concluding that domestic production of those materials was essential for national security.

Biden administration moves to unkink supply chain bottlenecks

The United States will take "unprecedented actions" to ensure the supply of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-firms-fret-as-chinas-fedex-probe-planned-hit-list-heightens-trade-frictions-224227"> strategic minerals and rare earth</a> critical to the tech sector and the military, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said Tuesday.

China is a major supplier of the critical materials and as the trade <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-us-cant-use-pressure-to-force-trade-deal-223677">conflict with Washington</a> has escalated, Beijing has dangled a threat of cutting exports of rare earth as a counter-strike to US tariffs.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-chinas-weapon-of-choice-in-trade-war-rare-earth-metals-224003/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Ross said in a statement that a new report designates 35 minerals as "critical to the economic and national security" of America, including uranium, titanium, and rare earth elements needed for smartphones, computers, aircraft and GPS systems, among other uses.

"These critical minerals are often overlooked but modern life without them would be impossible," Ross said.

"Through the recommendations detailed in this report, the Federal government will take unprecedented action to ensure that the United States will not be cut off from these vital materials."

President Donald Trump has ramped up his aggressive stance towards China in a bid to pressure the country to change its objectionable trade practices but the most recent flare-up caused talks to breakdown, especially due to US actions against Chinese tech giant Huawei.

In December 2017, Trump called on Commerce and other government agencies to develop new sources of critical minerals to reduce vulnerabilities to supply disruptions, especially from foreign sources.

The report calls for actions including improving supplies "through investment and trade with America's allies," while streamlining permitting for mining in the United States, including on federal lands.

It also lists a plan to improve mapping and data collection to promote domestic mineral exploration.

The United States will take "unprecedented actions" to ensure the supply of strategic minerals and rare earth critical to the tech sector and the military, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said Tuesday.

The United States will take "unprecedented actions" to ensure the supply of strategic minerals and rare earth critical to the tech sector and the military, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said Tuesday. China is a major supplier of the critical materials and as the trade conflict with Washington has escalated, Beijing has dangled a threat of cutting exports of rare earth as a counter-strike to US tariffs. Ross said in a statement that a new report designates 35 minerals as "critical to the economic and national security" of America, including uranium, titanium, and rare earth elements needed for smartphones, computers, aircraft and GPS systems, among other uses. "These critical minerals are often overlooked but modern life without them would be impossible," Ross said. "Through the recommendations detailed in this report, the Federal government will take unprecedented action to ensure that the United States will not be cut off from these vital materials." President Donald Trump has ramped up his aggressive stance towards China in a bid to pressure the country to change its objectionable trade practices but the most recent flare-up caused talks to breakdown, especially due to US actions against Chinese tech giant Huawei. In December 2017, Trump called on Commerce and other government agencies to develop new sources of critical minerals to reduce vulnerabilities to supply disruptions, especially from foreign sources. The report calls for actions including improving supplies "through investment and trade with America's allies," while streamlining permitting for mining in the United States, including on federal lands. It also lists a plan to improve mapping and data collection to promote domestic mineral exploration.

Will take unprecedented action to ensure supply of rare earths critical to tech, military: US

China's Communist Party newspaper warned the United States on Wednesday that the country was ready to use rare earths to strike back in their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-any-us-trade-talks-must-be-based-on-mutual-respect-221968">bitter trade war</a>, saying in an extremely strongly worded commentary "don't say we didn't warn you".

President Xi Jinping's visit to a rare earths plant last week fuelled speculation that <a href="http://wionews.com/world/us-treasury-again-says-china-is-not-manipulating-currency-222375">China</a> would use its dominant position as a supplier of rare earths for leverage in the trade war.

Rare earths are a group of 17 chemical elements used in everything from high-tech consumer electronics to military equipment.

While China has so far not explicitly said it will restrict rare earths exports to the United States, Chinese media has strongly implied this will happen, including remarks from the editor of influential paper the Global Times on Twitter late on Tuesday.

In a commentary headline "United States, don't underestimate China's ability to strike back", the ruling Communist Party's official People's Daily noted the "uncomfortable" dependence on rare earths from China of the United States.

Watch: China's utmost sincerity in trade talks a sign of strength

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinas-utmost-sincerity-in-trade-talks-a-sign-of-strength-222362/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Will rare earths become a counter weapon for China to hit back against the pressure the United States has put on for no reason at all? The answer is no mystery," it said.

"Undoubtedly, the US&nbsp;side wants to use the products made by China's exported rare earths to counter and suppress China's development. The Chinese people will never accept this!" the paper added.

The industrial chain between China and the United States is highly integrated and highly complementary, and there are no winners in a trade war, it said.

"We advise the US&nbsp;side not to underestimate the Chinese side's ability to safeguard its development rights and interests. Don't say we didn't warn you!"

The expression "don't say we didn't warn you" is generally only used by official Chinese media to warn rivals over major areas of disagreement, for example during a border dispute with India in 2017 and in 1978 before China invaded Vietnam.

China accounted for 80% of rare earth imports between 2014 and 2017 by the United States, which has excluded them from recent tariffs along with some other critical Chinese minerals.

Beijing, however, has raised tariffs on imports of US&nbsp;rare earth metal ores from 10% to 25% from June 1, making it less economical to process the material in China.

China's Communist Party newspaper warned the United States on Wednesday that the country was ready to use rare earths to strike back in their bitter trade war, saying in an extremely strongly worded commentary "don't say we didn't warn you".

China's Communist Party newspaper warned the United States on Wednesday that the country was ready to use rare earths to strike back in their bitter trade war, saying in an extremely strongly worded commentary "don't say we didn't warn you". President Xi Jinping's visit to a rare earths plant last week fuelled speculation that China would use its dominant position as a supplier of rare earths for leverage in the trade war. Rare earths are a group of 17 chemical elements used in everything from high-tech consumer electronics to military equipment. While China has so far not explicitly said it will restrict rare earths exports to the United States, Chinese media has strongly implied this will happen, including remarks from the editor of influential paper the Global Times on Twitter late on Tuesday. In a commentary headline "United States, don't underestimate China's ability to strike back", the ruling Communist Party's official People's Daily noted the "uncomfortable" dependence on rare earths from China of the United States. Watch: China's utmost sincerity in trade talks a sign of strength "Will rare earths become a counter weapon for China to hit back against the pressure the United States has put on for no reason at all? The answer is no mystery," it said. "Undoubtedly, the US side wants to use the products made by China's exported rare earths to counter and suppress China's development. The Chinese people will never accept this!" the paper added. The industrial chain between China and the United States is highly integrated and highly complementary, and there are no winners in a trade war, it said. "We advise the US side not to underestimate the Chinese side's ability to safeguard its development rights and interests. Don't say we didn't warn you!" The expression "don't say we didn't warn you" is generally only used by official Chinese media to warn rivals over major areas of disagreement, for example during a border dispute with India in 2017 and in 1978 before China invaded Vietnam. China accounted for 80% of rare earth imports between 2014 and 2017 by the United States, which has excluded them from recent tariffs along with some other critical Chinese minerals. Beijing, however, has raised tariffs on imports of US rare earth metal ores from 10% to 25% from June 1, making it less economical to process the material in China.

'Don't say we didn't warn you!' China ready to hit back at US with 'rare earths'

They are used in everything from lightbulbs to guided missiles, but with China controlling 95 per cent of the world's supply of rare earth metals, they are also a potentially powerful weapon in Beijing's trade war with Washington.

Here are some key questions and answers on the prized elements.

What are rare earths?

The bedrock of electrical manufacturing, rare earths are 17 elements that serve as key components in devices ranging from hi-tech smartphones and cameras to flat-screen televisions and computers.

China dominates the global supply chain -- and Washington relies heavily on the Asian superpower to access the metals. So much so that the commodities have not been subject to the tariff increases imposed by Donald Trump's administration on Chinese goods.

But Chinese state media is now suggesting that rare earth exports to the US could be cut in retaliation for American measures, sparking fear among manufacturers.

Why is China threatening to restrict exports?

Simply put, rare earths give Beijing tremendous political and economic leverage in its spat with the United States.

The US this month threatened to cut supplies of US technology to Chinese telecom giant Huawei, citing security concerns and intensifying a trade spat that has seen both countries slap tit-for-tat tariffs on each other.

While Beijing has so far only issued cryptic warnings to suggest that rare earths could be its next weapon, "as a retaliatory trade measure, it's a no-brainer on the surface", according to OANDA senior market analyst Jeffrey Halley.

If Beijing chooses to make good on these threats, the impact on US manufacturers could be disastrous.

"China could shut down nearly every automobile, computer, smartphone and aircraft assembly line outside of China if they chose to embargo these materials," James Kennedy, president of ThREE Consulting, wrote last week in National Defense, a US industry publication.

Have we been here before?

China has been accused of using its rare earth leverage for political and economic reasons in the past.

In 2014, the World Trade Organization ruled the country had violated global trade rules by restricting exports of the metals, claiming environmental damage from mining and the need to conserve supplies.

The US, European Union and Japan had appealed to the WTO, accusing Beijing of curbing exports to give domestic tech firms an edge over foreign rivals.&nbsp;

The WTO panel ruled that the quotas were "designed to achieve industrial policy goals rather than conservation".

Four years earlier, Japanese industry sources said China temporarily cut off exports to Japan in 2010 when a territorial row flared between the Asian rivals, charges that Beijing denied.

How likely is it to make good on its threat this time?

Analysts say Beijing may not pull the trigger just yet, possibly because any restriction could spark a chase for alternative sources of rare earths.

Despite its dominance oversupply, China is not the only country with sizeable reserves of the metals.

The United States Geological Survey estimated last year there were 120 million tonnes of deposits worldwide including 44 million in China and 22 million in both Brazil and Vietnam.

If rare earths aren't all that rare, why is no one else producing them?

For much of the last century, the US-dominated rare earths production.&nbsp;

But mining the metals creates huge amounts of toxic waste and in 2003 California's Mountain Pass mine -- then the sole US miner of rare earths -- ceased production, following an environmental disaster a few years earlier.

China filled the void -- helped in no small part by lax regulations and lower costs -- and grew quickly to become the leading producer of the metals.

Rare earths "are abundant across the globe", said OANDA's Halley, but added that many countries are turned off by the heavy costs -- financial and environmental -- incurred in the production process.

"Much like everyone would like a new airport nearby, just not next door to them... the world has reaped what it has sown by handing the keys to China in this respect", he said.

They are used in everything from lightbulbs to guided missiles, but with China controlling 95 per cent of the world's supply of rare earth metals, they are also a potentially powerful weapon in Beijing's trade war with Washington.

They are used in everything from lightbulbs to guided missiles, but with China controlling 95 per cent of the world's supply of rare earth metals, they are also a potentially powerful weapon in Beijing's trade war with Washington. Here are some key questions and answers on the prized elements. What are rare earths? The bedrock of electrical manufacturing, rare earths are 17 elements that serve as key components in devices ranging from hi-tech smartphones and cameras to flat-screen televisions and computers. China dominates the global supply chain -- and Washington relies heavily on the Asian superpower to access the metals. So much so that the commodities have not been subject to the tariff increases imposed by Donald Trump's administration on Chinese goods. But Chinese state media is now suggesting that rare earth exports to the US could be cut in retaliation for American measures, sparking fear among manufacturers. Why is China threatening to restrict exports? Simply put, rare earths give Beijing tremendous political and economic leverage in its spat with the United States. The US this month threatened to cut supplies of US technology to Chinese telecom giant Huawei, citing security concerns and intensifying a trade spat that has seen both countries slap tit-for-tat tariffs on each other. While Beijing has so far only issued cryptic warnings to suggest that rare earths could be its next weapon, "as a retaliatory trade measure, it's a no-brainer on the surface", according to OANDA senior market analyst Jeffrey Halley. If Beijing chooses to make good on these threats, the impact on US manufacturers could be disastrous. "China could shut down nearly every automobile, computer, smartphone and aircraft assembly line outside of China if they chose to embargo these materials," James Kennedy, president of ThREE Consulting, wrote last week in National Defense, a US industry publication. Have we been here before? China has been accused of using its rare earth leverage for political and economic reasons in the past. In 2014, the World Trade Organization ruled the country had violated global trade rules by restricting exports of the metals, claiming environmental damage from mining and the need to conserve supplies. The US, European Union and Japan had appealed to the WTO, accusing Beijing of curbing exports to give domestic tech firms an edge over foreign rivals. The WTO panel ruled that the quotas were "designed to achieve industrial policy goals rather than conservation". Four years earlier, Japanese industry sources said China temporarily cut off exports to Japan in 2010 when a territorial row flared between the Asian rivals, charges that Beijing denied. How likely is it to make good on its threat this time? Analysts say Beijing may not pull the trigger just yet, possibly because any restriction could spark a chase for alternative sources of rare earths. Despite its dominance oversupply, China is not the only country with sizeable reserves of the metals. The United States Geological Survey estimated last year there were 120 million tonnes of deposits worldwide including 44 million in China and 22 million in both Brazil and Vietnam. If rare earths aren't all that rare, why is no one else producing them? For much of the last century, the US-dominated rare earths production. But mining the metals creates huge amounts of toxic waste and in 2003 California's Mountain Pass mine -- then the sole US miner of rare earths -- ceased production, following an environmental disaster a few years earlier. China filled the void -- helped in no small part by lax regulations and lower costs -- and grew quickly to become the leading producer of the metals. Rare earths "are abundant across the globe", said OANDA's Halley, but added that many countries are turned off by the heavy costs -- financial and environmental -- incurred in the production process. "Much like everyone would like a new airport nearby, just not next door to them... the world has reaped what it has sown by handing the keys to China in this respect", he said.

Rare earths: The latest weapon in the US-China trade war

rare-earths

Rare Earths, News on Rare Earths, stories on Rare Earths, articles on Rare Earths, Rare Earths stories at Wion, Rare Earths news, Rare Earths latest news