Japan reacts over rare earths ban

[phantom power]

China’s imposition earlier this year of new general quotas on rare-earth exports had already sparked efforts in the US to revive production of the minerals.

Beijing has denied that it imposed any ban on rare-earth exports to Japan. Traders say, however, that shipments from Chinese ports have been repeatedly delayed without explanation, this amid tensions following a clash between a Chinese fishing boat and Japan coast guard in the East China Sea. “In reality there is an export ban on rare earths,” Mr Kaieda said. “It’s important that China stop this extremely abnormal action at the earliest possible time.”

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/4781ea2e-cb2b-11df-95c0-00144feab49a.html

[Poll_Blind]

1. The story (which I don't particularly believe) coming out of the Chinese side of this is that...

..it was just a snafu based on Chinese holidays. I can't remember where I read it, but just yesterday I happened on a piece openly musing in query of why China, which normally keeps a low profile, is making such a huge deal about the captain/ship-ramming incident. The culprit is probably alleged gas deposits underneath the disputed area with Japan but even beyond that, outsiders are head-scratching at China's move.

They could crush Japan with moves like this.

PB