China Central Television's military channel has reported that the Pentagon is planning to use a law from the 1950s to 'militarise' rare earth production in the US.

China is expanding Baotou Rare Earth High and New Tech Industrial Development Zone in Inner Mongolia, as the country maintains its grip on the majority of the world's rare earths trade

Beijing has responded angrily to a US executive order to look into the country's dependence on rare earths from China.

Ministry says China will increase oversight and boost production of the 17 rare earth minerals to 140,000 tonnes this year from 120,000 tonnes last year