China’s global pursuit of minerals such as rare earth elements, lithium, and cobalt has become controversial due to its role in supporting manufacturing dominance and the green energy transition. Through state-owned enterprises, China invests in or controls mines across Africa, Latin America, and the Arctic. Supporters of reducing this extraction argue it causes environmental harm, including pollution, habitat loss, and weak labor protections in countries with limited regulation. Opponents argue that China’s extraction expands the global mineral supply essential for renewable technologies, lowers costs through large-scale refining, and stabilizes markets amid domestic shortages. They argue China fills a gap left by Western reluctance to mine polluting resources, warning that major reductions could slow the global energy transition. The debate centers on whether China’s international extraction practices are sustainable and equitable, or whether a significant reduction is necessary to protect host countries, global stability, and long-term environmental health.