Why are US and China fighting to control this country near India, they are trying to find special…

In a massive fight, US and China are trying to control the critical metals of Myanmar essential for manufacturing advanced weapons and electronics.

Amid the global aspiration to control the rare earth minerals of the world, a geopolitical tussle is brewing between the US and China in India’s neighbourhood. In the recent tussle between China led by President Xi Jinping and the United States of America led by President Donald Trump, both the power-hungry countries are eying the rare earth minerals of Myanmar, the country which witnessed a military coup a few years back.

Why US and China are fighting in Myanmar?

Both US and China are trying to control the 17 critical metals that are essential for manufacturing advanced weapons and electronics. However, due to Myanmar’s political instability and control of mining regions by ethnic rebel groups like the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the situation is quite complicated and the battle is expected to be tough.

How is US trying to capture Myanmar’s resources?

As per media reports, the US is considering risky options, such as negotiating directly with the KIA or working through Myanmar’s military, despite past sanctions and human rights concerns. Proposals also include reducing tariffs, appointing a special envoy, and acting as a mediator to secure access to the mines.

Readers should note that the currently ruling military government of Myanmar is backed by China and experts also warn of serious logistical and political obstacles, especially as China is likely to block any attempt to divert Myanmar’s minerals to US or India.

China’s control over global rare earth minerals

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), China controls 90% of global rare earth processing. Moreover, China is the largest producer and processor of these minerals and America wants to reduce its dependence on China. However, for the US, partnering with Myanmar would be a major shift, given past sanctions over military abuses and Rohingya violence. As per media reports, though some sanctions were recently lifted on Myanmar, officials say US policy remains largely unchanged in its policy on the country.