The global supply of heavy rare earths hinges in part on the outcome of a monthslong battle between a rebel army and the Chinese-backed military junta in the hills of northern Myanmar. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/07/08/asia-pacific/politics/china-rare-earth-myanmar-rebels/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #asiapacific #politics #myanmar #rareearths #mining #southeastasia #china

In a riverine battleground in western Myanmar, an entrepreneur hunts for reception using a makeshift bamboo antenna, his payphone kiosk providing locals a lifeline to connect with their loved ones. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/07/05/asia-pacific/society/myanmar-connections/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #asiapacific #society #myanmar #internet