Rare as it is

Attempts by some rich countries to challenge China's decision to enhance control and regulation over rare earth minerals is the latest evidence of astounding unfairness in the current global economic and trade order.

The Chinese government made it clear again on Thursday that it will not use its current dominance of global rare earth supplies as a bargaining tool. Such an official statement is meant to ease unjustified international concerns that China may be using its rare earth exports as an economic and political lever.