U.S. Lacks Capacity to Replace Chinese Rare Earths Critical To Military Readiness

China's new export controls on seven rare earth elements critical to defense and technology could pose a threat to U.S. military readiness, according to CNBC. The U.S. cannot fill a potential supply gap, as no domestic heavy rare earth separation is underway. The restrictions require Chinese firms to obtain special licenses to export elements used in fighter jets, missiles, submarines, and drones. Beijing added 16 U.S. defense-linked entities to its export control list, blocking their access to dual-use goods like rare earth elements.