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BANGKOK — China is poised to increase its involvement in rare earth production and refining in Malaysia, a move seen as an attempt to counter efforts by Japan and the United States to strengthen their ties with the country.

China commands a dominant 90% share of the global rare earth refining market, Japan, and the United States and other nations are working to bolster cooperation with Malaysia to reduce their reliance on Beijing.

According to Malaysian media, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed technical assistance in the rare earth industry during his visit to Malaysia in April.

Reuters reported in October that a Chinese state firm and a Malaysian government-linked fund are discussing a partnership on establishing a rare earth processing facility in Malaysia. China thus appears to be aiming to expand its rare earth production within Malaysia.

1. We need immediate research and development to improve the existing technologies. Western world does not have a Rare Earth refining technology that can compete with Chinese technologies.

2. Build refineries in the existing mines with infrastructure using developed technologies.

3. Take the price control of the Rare Earth Elements by tariffs or other means until the local refineries optimize the refining processes and operating cost.

Read more at: https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/world/asia-pacific/20260119-305010/