China's Rare Earth Grip: Will Westeros Need Dragons to Build Warships?

A Queen's Decree: The Rare Earth Game

Hmph it seems these 'rare earth' minerals are causing more trouble than a Lannister at a wedding! As Daenerys Stormborn of the House Targaryen First of Her Name Queen of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea Breaker of Chains and Mother of Dragons I find this situation… vexing. These squabbles between China and the West over shiny rocks remind me far too much of the battles for the Iron Throne. Everyone wants what they cannot easily obtain. It appears the Middle Kingdom holds the keys to these treasures and is not afraid to use them as I used my dragons to get what they want. It seems the automotive and robotics industries are already feeling the fire. It's like trying to build a Dothraki chariot without the right wood – utterly useless!

Negotiations in London: A Dragon's Bargain?

Now I hear whispers of trade talks resuming in London. London? A dreary place far from the sunny shores of Meereen. Apparently the White House is considering easing chip export controls in exchange for Beijing loosening its grip on these rare earth exports. It's a delicate dance this negotiation. Like trying to train a wild dragon one must be both firm and patient. I do hope these officials are more successful than the fools who tried to control my children with chains. Perhaps I should send Drogon to oversee the talks; that would certainly speed things up! 'Dracarys' is a universal language after all.

The Automotive Industry Screams: No Cars for Commoners!

The automotive industry is sounding alarms louder than a Dothraki horde charging into battle! Apparently these rare earth curbs are starting to 'bite.' One can almost hear the whines of the wealthy complaining they cannot get their horseless carriages. I say let them walk! A bit of exercise never hurt anyone. But I do understand the concerns particularly if these materials are essential for the engines of war. After all I myself relied on transport to get across the Narrow Sea...

Defense Giants Shiver: No Swords No Shields

Ah the defense industry. Now *this* is where my interest truly lies. I hear these rare earth elements are essential for advanced radar sonar systems and even laser guidance. Imagine trying to conquer Westeros with blunt swords and inaccurate arrows! Unthinkable! If the Americans can't make their fighter jets how will they defend themselves? Perhaps they should consult me on the matter. I have some experience with aerial combat wouldn't you say?

A 'Green Channel'? More Like a Murky River

China offers a 'green channel' for EU firms? Sounds suspiciously like a trap to me. Just like those poisoned locusts the Sons of the Harpy tried to feed my people in Meereen. One must always be wary of such seemingly generous gestures. The Americans are getting some licenses granted to their automotive giants. How very charitable of them. I hope the people of Westeros don't get any 'license' of trouble. I do wonder what price these companies have paid for this 'reprieve'. After all everything has a price!

The Mother of Dragons Rises!

This entire rare earth situation is a tangled web of politics and power. China holds the cards and the West is scrambling to catch up. It reminds me of my own struggle to reclaim the Iron Throne. Perhaps I should take Drogon Rhaegal and Viserion and simply *take* what I need. It certainly worked in Astapor. But alas I am not there. For now I shall watch and wait. And perhaps offer my…unique…expertise to those who seek to secure these precious resources. After all a queen must protect her realm. And the world in its own way is now my realm. What is the saying? 'When you play the game of thrones you win or you die.' Well I intend to do more than just survive this rare earth game.