China's curbs on exports of rare earths, which are essential for manufacturing high-tech products, are being felt more and more by Japanese manufacturers.
China has a near monopoly in the global production of rare earths, and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China produces most of the country's rare earths. One city in the region, Baotou, which has a population of about 2.7 million, calls itself "a city of rare earths."
The city hosts 75 related companies, including China's biggest rare earth-producing firm, Baotou Iron & Steel (Group) Co. Numerous luxury cars and skyscrapers can be seen in the city, which at night is bathed in light from neon signs. (Yomiuri)
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