China Races to Dominate Deep-Sea Mining Despite Environmental Concerns

China is investing heavily in deep-sea mining technology and operations to dominate the emerging industry and control supply of rare metals needed for clean energy, electric vehicles, and advanced weapons.

China holds the most exploration licenses from the International Seabed Authority (ISA), seeks to influence regulations, and is positioning itself as a leader in deep-sea mining.

Environmentalists worry China will prioritize industry over protecting fragile deep-sea ecosystems that are important carbon sinks.

Deep-sea exploration gives China data for military advantages like underwater warfare, with its vessels conducting surveys near other nations' waters.

The U.S. risks being sidelined, lacking strategy to compete with China's moves in deep seas even as seabed mining raises sovereignty concerns.