China Starts To Use Its Monopoly On Rare Earths Against Japan

Didymium oxide is a rare earth mineral used in delicate electronics. Isaac Brekken for The New York Times

Amid Tension, China Blocks Vital Exports To Japan -- New York Times

HONG KONG — Sharply raising the stakes in a dispute over Japan’s detention of a Chinese fishing trawler captain, the Chinese government has blocked exports to Japan of a crucial category of minerals used in products like hybrid cars, wind turbines and guided missiles.

Chinese customs officials are halting shipments to Japan of so-called rare earth elements, preventing them from being loading aboard ships at Chinese ports, industry officials said on Thursday.

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My Comment: China made commitments to limit its exports of rare earth's before its dispute with Japan, but with present tensions between the two countries increasing ..... China has not hesitated to block these exports to Japan.