Pax Sinica vs Pax Silica: how China-US mineral war is taking shape
South China Morning Post
by Chenjie SongFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The article explores the escalating competition between China and the United States over critical minerals, which are essential for emerging technologies like electric vehicles and renewable energy. This "mineral war" is shaping global geopolitics as both nations vie for control over key resources to fuel their industries and maintain technological dominance. Recent moves, such as Zijin Mining's $4 billion acquisition of Allied Gold's African mines and Glencore's potential sale of a stake in its Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) operations to the US-backed Orion Critical Mineral Consortium, highlight the strategic stakes at play. These deals underscore how critical minerals are becoming a key battleground for economic and geopolitical influence.
China has been actively expanding its mining investments globally, particularly in Africa and Latin America, to secure long-term supplies of copper, cobalt, and other critical minerals. This strategy aligns with Beijing's broader goals of resource security and industrial growth, as these materials are vital for China's high-tech industries and green energy initiatives. The Chinese government has also promoted state-owned enterprises like Zijin Mining to lead overseas acquisitions, reinforcing its global
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/20/2026