China Considering Cuts In Rare-Earth Metal Exports

SillySnake sends in a report from the Telegraph on draft plans in China to restrict exports of rare earths. "Beijing is drawing up plans to prohibit or restrict exports of rare earth metals that are produced only in China and play a vital role in cutting edge technology, from hybrid cars and catalytic converters, to superconductors, and precision-guided weapons. A draft report by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has called for a total ban on foreign shipments of terbium, dysprosium, yttrium, thulium, and lutetium. Other metals such as neodymium, europium, cerium, and lanthanum will be restricted to a combined export quota of 35,000 tonnes a year, far below global needs."

Comments

Re:Woo-hoo -

[blackraven14250]

No, we don't have a right to it. You can't, however, say they aren't being dicks to the global community, as that's who they're restricting the exports for, not just the US.

This thread is all American imperialist propaganda

[superyanthrax]

News flash, the Chinese government serves the interests of the Chinese people, not yours. The governments of other countries around the world exist to serve and protect their own people, not to serve and protect American interests. It seems that most American have forgotten that and expect every government to be an American shill. We refuse to be your shill.

Speaking of capitalism and free trade, you're all for it when you are crushing nascent industries in underdeveloped regions like Africa to ensure that your industries will have free reign to sell stuff there, but when a country like us can actually compete with you, or possibly even out-compete you, you cry foul and demand protectionism. Free trade is only good when America gets the advantage, it seems.

Speaking of corrupt and autocratic governments, your government is nowhere near clean of corruption, and you have never shown any compunction to support autocratic and corrupt governments when they serve your interests; I don't think I need to bring up all the Cold War examples but if you want an example of today, look no further than the PLO Palestinian authority government and Karzai's Afghan government.

American imperialism and hypocrisy is on full display in this thread.

Re:Woo-hoo -

[Zencyde]

And the entire world can CHOOSE to seek war against China. You assume ownership is an inherent right granted by the Universe. But I have news for you. Organisms fight. Organisms try to obtain resources. China doesn't "own" shit and if they decide not to play nice then they'll have to suffer the consequences. And if you disagree with me, then please prove that ownership is a concept that wasn't developed by people.