China’s Threat to Block Rare Earths Has Put Japan on High Alert

The New York Times•January 7, 2026•world

Key Points:

China has threatened to restrict exports of rare earth elements to Japan, escalating an ongoing geopolitical dispute between the two countries.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced a ban on exporting "dual-use" items with potential military applications to Japan, though specific commodities were not detailed.
State media indicated that China is considering stricter export licensing for medium and heavy rare earths, which are critical for industries ranging from electric vehicles to missile systems.
Experts suggest China may use prolonged export screening as a tactic to effectively impose a de facto ban on rare earth shipments to Japan, reminiscent of a similar move in 2010 during a territorial dispute.
The potential cutoff of rare earth exports poses significant risks to a wide range of Japanese industrial sectors