3 d. ago China signals readiness on rare earth talks, approves more exports

China has approved some qualified rare earth export applications and is ready to deepen dialogue with nations over export controls, the Ministry of Commerce said as the strategic resource continued to take centre stage in Beijing’s trade negotiations with the United States. “We’ve observed growing global demand for medium and heavy rare earths in civilian sectors such as robotics and new energy vehicles, as these industries continue to expand,” the ministry said in a statement posted on its...

Politics

9 d. ago How dependent is America’s arsenal on China’s critical mineral supply?

The US defence sector is dependent on critical minerals for its advanced weapon systems, but it has relied on China to meet its demands. As Beijing tightens export restrictions, there is a growing risk to the Pentagon’s military readiness and supply chain security. The big picture China dominates the global supply of rare earths, including more than 90 per cent of the world’s processing and refining. It also has an edge in most other critical minerals, such as refined gallium, of which it...

Politics

9 d. ago China adds aerial refuelling to pilot training in move to boost combat readiness

China’s air force has introduced aerial refuelling to its pilot training programme as the People’s Liberation Army tries to step up combat readiness and long-range capabilities. The move was highlighted in a report by state broadcaster CCTV on Friday that included footage from a PLA training video. It showed instructors from the PLA Air Force’s Shijiazhuang Flight Academy piloting two J-10 fighter jets in a refuelling drill, supported by a YU-20 tanker. The J-10 – seen as China’s answer to the...

Politics

1 week ago Chinese forces patrol Scarborough Shoal to ‘defend sovereignty’

The Chinese military and coastguard on Saturday launched a sea and air combat readiness patrol around Scarborough Shoal, known as Huangyan Island in China, to “further strengthen its control and defend its sovereignty”, according to an official statement. The show of force came a day after China’s state broadcaster aired rare footage of Chinese military drills in contested waters near the Spratly Islands, known as the Nansha Islands in China, highlighting Beijing’s ability to take military...

Politics

2 w. ago Sweden’s Scania readies €2 billion China factory, eyeing Asian growth

Sweden’s Scania readies €2 billion China factory, eyeing Asian growth  South China Morning Post

Events

3 w. ago US military faces ‘readiness crisis’ to modernise as China advances: Pentagon

Top brass eye speeding up integration of manned and unstaffed systems to overcome shortfalls in shipbuilding, other areas.

Events