Warum der Westen weiterhin wichtige Bodenschätze an China verliert

*Submission Statement:* Gracelin Baskaran explains how China is systematically expanding its control over critical mineral resources by aggressively acquiring overseas mining assets, positioning itself to influence future supplies of rare earths, lithium, nickel, copper, and other strategic materials. Using the acquisition of Tanzania’s Ngualla rare earth project by Shenghe Resources as a case study, the author illustrates how Chinese firms outbid Western competitors and secure long-term access to key deposits before production begins.

The report contends that the United States and its allies are disadvantaged because they lack a comprehensive system for tracking critical mineral assets globally and have limited ability to intervene in acquisitions occurring outside their own jurisdictions. To address these weaknesses, the Baskaran recommends the creation of a centralized global asset registry, establishing an allied early-action coordination mechanism, strengthening embassy monitoring of mineral projects and developing rapid-response financing tools to support alternative bidders. The conclusion warns that unless the United States and its partners adopt a more coordinated and proactive strategy, they risk losing influence over the future critical mineral supply chains that underpin economic and geopolitical competitiveness.