Another strategic implication

“..the two companies could face serious risk if their rare-earth supplies are affected by the sanctions, according to Wu Chenhui, an independent industry analyst who follows the rare-earth industry.

Wu told the Global Times on Thursday that Lockheed Martin, now on the entity list, may have to source its rare-earth supply, especially that of heavy rare-earth elements, from elsewhere.

Given China's dominant position in global rare-earth supply and that substitutes may not be found in time, production of the company's F35 jet and many other high-tech weapon systems may face a temporary slowdown or suspension.

If China decides to expand the range of its ban to components produced by other countries that contain Chinese-made rare-earth elements, the depth and scope of the counterstrike will be deeper and wider, Wu noted.

[link to www.globaltimes.cn (secure)]