Seabed Mining to Complicate South China Sea Disputes as China Eyes Rare Earths

The Diplomat reports that seabed mining for rare earths will add new complexity to South China Sea territorial disputes. China's strategic interest in deep-sea minerals intersects with its claims in the region, potentially escalating tensions with littoral states. The piece is analytical, not reporting a specific event, so the immediate impact is uncertain but the trajectory is toward heightened geopolitical friction.