China Prioritizes Rare Earths, Robotics in Manufacturing Agenda

China pledged to double down on the production of high-end tech goods to bolster its status as a manufacturing powerhouse, even as Beijing’s ambition raises alarms in foreign capitals.

China unveiled a series of steps to improve its manufacturing prowess in its 15th five-year plan draft released Thursday. To boost the country’s supply chains, China will continue investing in rare earths, rare metals and superhard materials to maintain a competitive edge, the report said.