• Journal of the Korean Magnetics Society
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.116-119
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• 2011

A Chinese shipping boat collided with two Japanese coast guard boats in waters near the disputed Senkaku islands (known as Diaoyudao in China) in the East China Sea on September 7th last year. The boat was held and captain was arrested by Japanese Government. The incident soon turned into a big political and economic conflict between the two countries. Japan's intention was to show her tight control over Senkaku, whereas China's intention was to make it a disputed territory in the eyes of international politics. While the conflict was going on, a top-rank bilateral talk between the two countries was suspended, boycott of Japanese goods was suggested, numerous rallies were held in both countries. This situation lasted for several months until China used an extreme card of "Cutting Supply of Rare Earth to Japan". Under this pressure, Japan instantly released the captain and closed the case. Over this incident, public noticed the importance of rare earth and its impact on the global economy. Since then, the policy of Chinese Government for the rare earth has created more confusion and turmoil in the global market. The purpose of this article is to overview the price rally and future of the rare earth.