China’s Rare Earth Strategy and the Future of the South China Sea

The rise of seabed mining is introducing new complexities to the ongoing South China Sea disputes. Simultaneously, Washington is determined to dismantle China's Critical Minerals monopoly. To advance this strategic policy, the United States is increasingly focusing on a single national champion, specifically MP Materials, to compete against China's dominance. These developments highlight a broader geopolitical struggle over rare earth strategies and the control of essential mineral resources necessary for future technological and industrial stability.