China-Myanmar Trade and Mining Cooperation Highlights Rare Earth Dependency
China and Myanmar have developed a significant trade relationship centered around the mining and export of heavy rare earth elements. Myanmar has become China's largest external supplier of these elements, contributing approximately 57% of China's total rare earth imports by value in the first half of 2023. The trade is heavily reliant on Myanmar's ion-adsorption clay deposits, which are primarily located in the northern regions of Kachin and Shan States. This relationship is characterized by a structural dependency, with Myanmar exporting raw materials to China, which in turn supplies manufactured goods back to Myanmar. The geopolitical landscape, including the 2021 military coup in Myanmar, has influenced trade routes and control, with Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) now managing a significant portion of the border trade. 
