China and Myanmar Deepen Mining Cooperation Amid Global Rare Earth Supply Concerns
China and Myanmar are strengthening their cooperation in border trade and mining, focusing on rare earth elements critical to various industries. This collaboration is particularly significant as Myanmar supplies a substantial portion of China's heavy rare earth ore imports, which are essential for electric vehicles, wind turbines, and consumer electronics. Despite political instability in Myanmar, including the 2021 military coup, trade routes have adapted, with ethnic armed organizations now controlling most overland trade routes. This cooperation underscores the strategic importance of Myanmar's rare earth resources to China's supply chain, as China controls about 90% of global rare earth refining capacity. 
