We now have influential G-2

Desire for dominance

Nothing illustrates China’s desire for dominance more than its strategy to control the “rare earth” metals, which are increasingly being used in many modern technological devices, including optical fibre communications systems, super-conductors, special magnets, hybrid car components and electronic polishers.

Although China produces 95 percent of the world’s “rare earth” metals, it has been seeking to purchase the mines that produce these metals elsewhere.

President Obama’s visit last week may have cemented a geopolitical duopoly, or a G-2, which may complicate things for the G-8, but nobody knows where China is going to stop.

Makinda is Professor of security, terrorism and counter-terrorism studies and Murdoch University, Australia.