China aims to hurt US by curbing export of rare-earth minerals: Report

Beijing asks industry executives if proposed restrictions will harm western contractors

China is exploring whether it can hurt US defence contractors by limiting supplies of rare-earth minerals that are critical to the industry, the Financial Times reported.
 
Industry executives said government officials had asked them how badly companies in the US and Europe would be affected if China restricted rare-earth exports during a bilateral dispute, the FT reported, citing people it didn’t identify involved in the consultation.
 
The move throws the spotlight back on the group of elements that are used in everything from smartphones to fighter jets, and have previously been a focus in the deteriorating trade relationship