UK MPs warn of dangerous China reliance on critical minerals for defence and AI
Briefing by News4U · First published
The Guardian reported that a UK parliamentary committee found the country “dangerously” dependent on China for critical minerals required for defence, AI and net zero goals, calling for a centralised policy and a “critical minerals finance facility” to fund diversification. The committee warned that demand for lithium and rare earths will rise sharply by 2030, leaving the UK exposed to supply disruptions, and criticised the government’s lack of transparency. A government spokesperson said it is delivering £400m for domestic production and recycling, with targets for 2035. [1]
Sources
- UK found to be ‘dangerously’ reliant on China for critical minerals needed for defence and AI
The Guardian · · Full text