EU moves to break dependence on China for rare earths

China, the world's top producer of rare earths, in October announced new controls on exports of the elements used to make magnets crucial to the auto, electronics and defense industries. The first such strategy was produced in 2023 as the bloc grappled with the harsh lessons from the COVID pandemic and Ukraine war that showed up the fragility of its supply lines. The updated doctrine calls for easing the use of key tools already at the EU's disposal -- such as controls on foreign investment, export restrictions and diversifying suppliers -- and adding new ones if needed.