Pakistan, April 18 -- In a bold move that has raised eyebrows in Washington and beyond, China has placed fresh restrictions on the export of seven critical rare earth elements-an apparent strategic response in the ongoing geopolitical and economic rivalry with the United States.

These rare earth minerals-samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium, and yttrium-are essential components in a wide range of cutting-edge technologies, especially in defense, energy, and advanced manufacturing. Without them, the production of fighter jets, submarines, missiles, radar systems, and drones could grind to a halt.

According to a report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, the U.S. currently l...