Does China’s Grip on Afghanistan’s Lithium Threaten US’ Mineral Access? скачать в хорошем качестве

Does China’s Grip on Afghanistan’s Lithium Threaten US’ Mineral Access?

After the US's chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, concerns quickly emerged that China would step in to fill the power vacuum—particularly regarding Afghanistan's vast untapped mineral wealth, estimated to be over $1 trillion. Of particular interest to Beijing is lithium, a key ingredient in electric vehicle batteries. Now, a growing trade war between the US and China threatens to intensify an already fierce geopolitical rivalry. As the world's leading producer of electric vehicles, China has a significant stake in accessing Afghanistan's lithium to power its booming EV exports. In 2023, China accounted for nearly 70 percent of global rare earth element production—critical materials the US also relies on for its defence sector. However, as trade tensions escalated, Beijing started restricting rare earth exports to the US in response to President Trump's tariffs. Washington, meanwhile, is pursuing mineral partnerships elsewhere—eyeing deals in Ukraine. But could Türkiye, home to some of the world's largest untapped reserves, play a role in this growing competition? Guests: Philip Andrews-Speed Oxford Institute for Energy Studies Senior Research Fellow Andy Mok Center for China and Globalisation Senior Research Fellow Seema Khan Daekin University Research Fellow