Part 3/20:
This aggressive stance was characterized by some analysts as "China versus the world," as these export controls represented an unacceptable challenge to international trade norms by targeting the entire global market. The ripple effects of China's policies were felt widely across Europe and North America, where securing a stable supply of rare earths became a pressing concern. The processing of these metals is just as critical as mining, yet it remains heavily concentrated within China, further exposing global industries to risks.