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China Begins Stockpiling Rare Earths, Draws WTO Attention

Posted by timothy on from the stockpiling-is-the-pejorative-for-conserving dept.

eldavojohn writes "A report by China Securities Journal claims that China is now stockpiling rare earths although it has not indicated when this stockpiling started. Many WTO members have complained about China's tightening restrictions on exports of rare earths while China maintains that such restrictions are an attempt to clean up its environmental problems. A WTO special conference scheduled for July 10th will hopefully decide if China's restrictions are unfair trade practices or if the US, the EU and Japan are merely upset that they can't export their pollution and receive rare earths at low prices. Last year, China granted its mining companies the right to export 30,200 tons but in actuality only 18,600 tons were shipped out of country."

6 of 227 comments (clear)

  1. Wait by SaroDarksbane · · Score: 3, Funny

    Just so I have this straight, China unfairly damages the US economy when they:

    1. Trade low-cost goods with us.
    2. Don't trade low-cost goods with us.

    Those bastards! *shakes fist*

  2. Re:Why shouldn't they? by BMOC · · Score: 4, Funny

    US: I think you should share the rare earths, China. Is that so hard?
    China: Well, no.
    China: ...and yes. Now it comes to it, I don't feel like parting with it. It's mine, I found it. It came to me!
    US: There's no need to get angry.
    China: Well, if I'm angry, it's your fault.
    China: ...it's mine... my own... my precious...
    US: Precious? It's been called that before, but not by you.
    China: Oh, what business is it of yours what I do with my own things?
    US: I think you've played god with the international economy quite long enough.
    China: You want it for yourself!
    US: China! Do not take me for some conjuror of cheap tricks! I am not trying to rob you. I'm trying to help you.

    --
    I swear they give me mod points to shut me up.
  3. Re:Why shouldn't they? by thePowerOfGrayskull · · Score: 4, Funny

    The above best read using Cartman's voice for China, and Mr Mackey's voice for US.

  4. Re:Why shouldn't they? by fuzzyfuzzyfungus · · Score: 5, Funny

    I think that he managed to suggest that, even after starting a land war in Asia, those terrifying greenies with their incredible political power would still rank among his serious concerns... Impressive.

  5. Re:Why shouldn't they? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

    Two pieces of advice:
    Never get involved in a land war in Asia.
    Never go against a Sicilian when death is on the line.

  6. Re:What the hell by GameboyRMH · · Score: 3, Funny

    You guessed my location wrong too.

    I can now narrow your location to Alberta based on your sensitivity towards jokes about the US.

    --
    "When information is power, privacy is freedom" - Jah-Wren Ryel