China's Strategic Moves: Export Curbs and Power Plays Shake Global Markets

China's announcement to curb exports of gallium and germanium, both critical metals used in various high-tech applications including silicon chips, highlights the escalating global competition for critical minerals and metals. This move is seen as a response to the U.S. Chips Act and increasing pressure on U.S. allies to restrict sales of sensitive microchip technology to China. While export controls will disrupt gallium and germanium markets in the short term, Western countries are expected to adapt over time. However, concerns remain about potential future restrictions on other critical metals, as China's dominance in the supply chain poses a significant challenge for the West's high-tech industrial base.