Quad Nations Should Work Out ‘Finer Nuances’ to Coordinate Rare-Earth Supply Chain, Scientist Says

In a file photo taken on April 21, 2011, a cyclist wears a protective face mask while riding along a dusty road where dozens of factories processing rare earths, iron and coal operate on the outskirts of Baotou city in Inner Monglia, northwest China. Frederic J. Brown/AFP/Getty Images

BANGALORE, India—The Quad countries—the United States, India, Japan, and Australia—is seeking to address their dependence on supply chains for critical technologies dominated by China.

The Quad’s critical and emerging technology working group will convene dialogues on critical technology supply chains for areas including artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, quantum, robotics, and blockchain. A noted scientist and an expert in critical technologies says the Quad nations must ensure they cover all their bases, as critical technology supply chains can be very complex and nuanced.