- EURASIAREVIEW.COM - A la une - Hier 23:20

Strategizing Rare Earths For Peace – OpEd

The emergence of rare earths as a key issue in the tariff war waged by the United States against China provides peace think ranks such as the Swedish International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and anti war lobbies a golden opportunity to strategize it in their campaign to bring a reduction in the escalating military expenditure and deadly armament proliferation which the Trump administration is concurrently egging on its allies and, which if unchecked, will lead to a less secure world. Often forgotten in the fog of war reporting which we see in the Israeli Iranian conflict focusing on rocket and missile launchers, casualties and deaths, gains and losses, and victories and defeats is the metric of resources that enable the wars of today to be waged and sustained with greater intensity and destruction. Rare Earth Elements For War The critical role of rare earth elements (REEs) in advanced weapon systems is now common knowledge. They serve as indispensable components due to their unique magnetic, catalytic, and optical properties and enable the high performance, miniaturization, and precision that define modern military technology today and in the future. Here's a breakdown of how REEs are used in advanced weapon systems: 1. As components in high-performance magnets used in guidance and control systems of precision-guided munitions. 2. Found in various military vehicles, fighter aircraft and submarines as motors and actuators. 3. Crucial for the motors, sensors, and electronic components in advanced radar. 4. Used in jamming devices, directed energy weapons and other systems that require high magnetic fields and precise energy control. 5. Essential for the small motors and sophisticated sensors in drones and unmanned aerial vehicles prominently at play in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. 6. Used in various military communication systems, ensuring secure and efficient data transmission. In essence, rare earth elements are the not so secret sauce that allows modern weapon systems to be smaller, lighter, more powerful and more effective. This makes them strategically vital for any nation's military capabilities, and why securing a stable supply chain for these materials has become a top national security concern for many countries. The REE sauce provides China and supporting countries an unprecedented opportunity for advancing peace and deterring militarization. Potential of REE As Catalyst For Peace This is how China's rare earth dominance can be positively used * Influencing Military Modernization: Given that rare earths are crucial for advanced military technologies (missile guidance systems, jet engines, satellite communications), China's control can be used to influence the pace or nature of military modernization in other nations. By strategically managing supply, China can signal disapproval and even discourage military buildups and the development of certain destabilizing weapons systems. * Discouraging Proliferation of Advanced Weaponry: The strict control by China of the sale of rare earths to business enterprises engaged in the armament and weaponry industry can help reduce the war proliferation risk and deter what is a rapidly proliferating trade in advanced weaponry. * Targeted Export Controls for Non-Proliferation: China has asserted that its export controls on rare earth-related items are intended to safeguard national security and fulfill non-proliferation obligations. If consistently applied to prevent the use of REEs by countries intending to use them for weapons of mass destruction or destabilizing military technologies, this can be one of China's most important and effective significant contributions to global peace and security. *Creating Mutual Economic Interests: The global reliance on Chinese REEs for various technologies, including renewable energy and civilian electronics, creates strong economic interdependence. This can act as a disincentive for conflict, as any major disruption would harm both China and its major trading partners. * Leveraging for Peace and Development: China's rare earth dominance can be used as a bargaining chip in diplomatic negotiations, particularly in areas of shared global concern like climate change or regional stability. Access to rare earths can also be used to tie the European Union, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Indo Pacific countries, QUAD, and AUKUS countries to commitments on disarmament or non-aggression pacts. * Investing in Global Partnerships for Civilian Use: China can proactively engage in partnerships and joint ventures for the civilian application of rare earths, particularly in emerging technologies like electric vehicles and wind turbines. This could build trust and create shared stakes in a stable global rare earth supply chain. REEs In Reframing The International Order In conclusion, while China's rare earth dominance provides it with significant leverage, using this power to advance peace and deter militarization would require a highly strategic, transparent, and cooperative approach. It would involve building trust, prioritizing sustainable development, and demonstrating a clear commitment to global stability over unilateral advantage. Without these elements, the potential for rare earth to be a source of tension and competition, and more destructive militarization, may well continue. China in the past has utilised its rare earth resources responsibly, adhering to international norms and market principles, to serve peaceful and constructive purposes globally. The Chinese government has implemented comprehensive regulations to ensure the sustainable exploitation and utilization of rare earths, promoting environmental protection and technological innovation. This approach not only supports global technological advancements but also reflects China's role as a responsible global power. Now is the time for China to extend its leverage of REE dominance more directly to the cause of peace building and to use it explicitly as a tool in constructing a less militarized international order that contributes to the harmonious progress of all nations.