‘Alerted everyone’: US treasury secy Scott Bessent slams China over rare earth controls; calls it a ‘real mistake’
US treasury secretary Scott Bessent criticised China’s decision to tighten control of rare earth exports, calling it a “mistake” that cautioned everyone.Reflecting on China’s decision to introduce new export restrictions in October, Bessent said the move had revealed Beijing’s willingness to weaponise rare earths, a group of minerals that are vital to defence systems, electric…