Quad unites to snap Chinese chokehold on critical minerals

As China weaponizes its rare earth dominance and sparks fears over a similar threat in critical minerals, Quad members US, Japan, Australia and India have launched a Quad Critical Minerals Initiative, pledging to work together to secure and diversify supply chains.

- Rituraj Baruah, Ayaan Kartik & Manas Pimpalkhare

The demonstration of common purpose comes at a time when India, Japan and Australia are also in bilateral trade talks with the US.

China dominates the world's critical mineral supply chain, with interests in mines across the globe and has developed the midstream segment of refining and processing. These form key components in the strategic sector including defence, electric mobility, telecommunications and electronics.

A joint statement by the Quad strategic partners on Wednesday also described the initiative as "an ambitious expansion of our partnership to strengthen economic security and collective resilience by collaborating to secure and diversify critical minerals supply chains".

"Reliance on any one country for processing and refining critical minerals and derivative goods production exposes our industries to economic coercion, price manipulation, and supply chain disruptions, which further harms our economic and national security," the statement said, making a veiled reference to China.