China’s Dominance Over Rare Earth Mineral Samarium Poses Strategic Risks for Western Defense

China’s stringent export restrictions on heat-resistant magnets derived from rare earth minerals have unveiled a significant weakness in the defense supply chains of the United States and its allies.

The absence of these specialized magnets threatens the ability of Western militaries to replenish recently diminished stocks of critical equipment.

For over ten years, efforts to establish an alternative source outside China for a particular rare earth element essential to manufacturing magnets used in missiles, fighter aircraft, precision-guided munitions, and other defense systems have yet to succeed.

Rare earth minerals have become a focal point in ongoing trade discussions between China and Western nations, underscoring their strategic importance.

China controls the entire global supply of samarium, a rare earth metal that is predominantly employed in military technology. Samarium magnets maintain their magnetic strength even at temperatures high enough to melt lead, making them indispensable for components like the high-speed electric motors found within the confined spaces of missile nose cones.

On April 4, China announced a suspension on exports of seven rare earth elements and magnets manufactured from them. The Ministry of Commerce cited the dual-use nature of these materials for civilian and military applications, stating that future shipments would require special licensing. This measure was described as necessary to protect national security interests and to comply with international commitments such as nonproliferation agreements.