Russian President Vladimir Putin has directed the government to prepare a roadmap for developing important rare earth and metal mines as quickly as possible. Only one month was allotted to complete the task. Chinese analysts noted that the initiative immediately attracted the attention of Beijing, which remains the world's largest producer of rare earth elements. This was reported by Baijiahao newspaper.
“Seeing how China skillfully used the trump card of rare earth metals in the international game of chess to precisely hit the opponent's weakness and gain the initiative, the Kremlin's strategists decided to apply their tactics,” the author of the publication wrote.
China observers emphasized that they were especially concerned about the urgency of the presidential order. According to them, Moscow shows that it has finally realized the strategic importance of rare earth metals, the demand for which in global industry is growing rapidly. One example is the trade standoff between the US and China: when Washington imposed increased tariffs on Chinese goods, Beijing responded by restricting exports of rare earth elements, a heavy blow to the US technology sector.
Putin assessed the prospects for cooperation between Kazakhstan and Russian regions
PRC pointed out that China then actually hit the most vulnerable point of the US high-tech and defense industry, because without rare earth metals both the production of smartphones and high-precision missiles would not be possible. Beijing claims that this situation has been closely monitored by Moscow.
At the same time, Chinese analysts pay attention to the paradox: possessing a powerful nuclear arsenal, Russia has actually lost the economic tool to put pressure on the United States. According to Chinese experts, the Kremlin intends to turn rare earth metals into a new lever of influence.
Russia has significant reserves of valuable elements, but most of the reserves remain untapped. Furthermore, the country also imports some rare earth metals from China. In that context, Vladimir Putin's initiative is seen as an attempt not only to get rid of dependence, but also to strengthen Russia's position in the world market, creating competition for Beijing, ABN24 reported.
Previously, US leader Donald Trump compared the nuclear capabilities of the US and China.
