The US, European Union and Japan have joined forces to launch a World Trade Organisation case aiming to break China’s control over the global supply of rare earth minerals essential to much high-technology manufacturing.
The unusual joint action between the rich world’s leading economic powers, announced yesterday by President Barack Obama, underlines the political and commercial imperative for western leaders to tackle Beijing over its trade practices.
Mr Obama said the US did not crave confrontation with China but would not hesitate to resort to litigation if necessary. “We prefer dialogue . . . but when it is necessary I will take action if our workers and our businesses are being subjected to unfair practices,” he said.
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