Australia sells China critical minerals vital for Beijing's weapon programs | ABC NEWS

Описание: An ABC investigation has uncovered that Australia is selling China critical minerals crucial to Beijing’s military build-up, despite the Albanese government openly declaring support for Washington's bid to break China's domination in the critical minerals sector.
One of these minerals is zirconium (Zr), an essential ingredient used in protective coating for hypersonic missiles, submarines and aircraft carriers and nuclear propulsion and fuel systems.
A research paper by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army has highlighted China's vulnerability to a zirconium shortage, but Australia is still exporting the mineral sand to Chinese buyers while spending billions of dollars on countering Chinese military expansion.
ABC Four Corners reporter Angus Grigg says there is a clear conflict between Canberra's trade policy and security interests.

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