#rare-earths

4 topics

Aug 11, 2026

Japanese Nationals Detained in China Revive 'Hostage Diplomacy' Fears

Several Japanese nationals, including two employees detained in Dalian, were held in China over export controls on rare earths and other dual-use goods. Online, the case revived talk of 'hostage diplomacy,' the risks of doing business in China, and Japan's missing espionage law.

Rare Earth Mud, Rerouted Chinese Tourists, and a Nuclear History Mix-Up

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Politics

Jul 25, 2026

Rare Earth Mud, Rerouted Chinese Tourists, and a Nuclear History Mix-Up

About 50 tons of mud recovered off Minamitorishima was reported to contain medium and heavy rare earths making up roughly 54% of its total rare earth content, raising hopes of reducing dependence on China. On the same day, reports said Chinese tourists had shifted to South Korea after Beijing urged citizens to avoid Japan, and a 17-year-old influencer claimed China had fired nuclear weapons at Japan. Commenters swung between resource optimism, cost skepticism, and corrections of basic history.

Japanese Firms Weigh China Exit as Detentions and a Security Breach Pile Up

Politics

Jun 25, 2026

Japanese Firms Weigh China Exit as Detentions and a Security Breach Pile Up

Fresh detentions of Japanese nationals, a classified Self-Defense Forces system left infected by Chinese malware for a year, and reports that companies are finally weighing a China exit fused into one story of mounting security distrust — and cold criticism that any withdrawal is far too late.

Japanese Employee Detained in China Over Rare Earths Reignites 'China Risk' Fears

Politics

Jun 24, 2026

Japanese Employee Detained in China Over Rare Earths Reignites 'China Risk' Fears

An employee of a major Japanese electronics firm was reportedly detained by Chinese authorities in connection with rare-earth export controls. Netizens split between attacking China's 'hostage diplomacy' and blaming Japanese firms and Keidanren for ignoring long-warned 'China risk' while still sending staff there.