Logical Reasoning Questions for CLAT | QB Set 65

China’s recent decision to restrict exports of antimony, a critical mineral used in defense and advanced technologies, is part of its broader geopolitical strategy. The export restrictions, effective from September 15, 2023, are seen as a continuation of China’s countermeasures since August 2023, targeting essential minerals needed for missiles, solar cells, computer chips, and nuclear weapons. China’s dominance in the global supply of critical minerals makes this move significant. With control over 60% of rare earth production and 80% of processing, China’s actions can have a substantial impact on nations like the U.S., European Union, Japan, and India, all of which are heavily reliant on these resources for national security and technological development.

This strategic use of minerals as a geopolitical tool is not new for China. The article draws parallels with the 2010 incident when China restricted the export of rare earth elements to Japan, demonstrating its ability and willingness to leverage minerals as a political weapon. By restricting access to crucial resources, China is sending a clear message to countries trying to reduce their dependence on Chinese supplies, particularly the U.S., which has implemented export controls and is strengthening ties with allies to secure alternative sources. In response, China has also restricted exports of high-purity minerals like gallium and germanium, essential for advanced computing and other technologies.

India, like many other nations, is vulnerable due to its heavy reliance on imports of critical minerals. In FY23 alone, India imported critical minerals such as cobalt, nickel, and copper worth approximately ₹34,000 crores. The article underscores the importance of India and other nations investing in alternative supply chains and forging partnerships to reduce dependence on China. Developing these partnerships is crucial for securing the supply of these minerals, which are vital for technological advancements and national security in the face of China’s tightening grip on the global mineral supply chain.

1. What is the most likely reason behind China’s decision to restrict exports of antimony and other critical minerals?

A) To increase its revenue by controlling the global market for critical minerals
B) To punish countries that are trying to diversify away from reliance on China
C) To boost its own technological development by hoarding essential minerals
D) To counter U.S. and European Union sanctions by using minerals as a geopolitical tool

2. Which of the following can be inferred from China’s past actions, as mentioned in the passage?

A) China has historically used minerals as leverage in geopolitical disputes.
B) China’s export restrictions have always focused on financial gain rather than political strategy.
C) China’s dominance in critical minerals has had minimal impact on global trade.
D) China’s export restrictions are primarily aimed at bolstering diplomatic relations with the U.S.

3. Which of the following assumptions is necessary for the argument about India’s vulnerability to China’s mineral export restrictions to hold true?

A) India’s demand for critical minerals will decline in the near future.
B) India does not have significant domestic reserves of critical minerals like cobalt, nickel, and copper.
C) India will continue to rely on China despite the export restrictions.
D) The global supply of critical minerals is abundant enough to offset China’s export restrictions.

4. Which of the following, if true, would weaken the argument that China’s mineral export restrictions could significantly harm global technological development?

A) Many countries have developed alternative sources of critical minerals.
B) China has reduced its overall production of rare earth minerals.
C) The U.S. and the EU have increased their imports of rare earth elements from China since the restrictions.
D) Technological advancements no longer rely on critical minerals such as antimony, gallium, and germanium.

5. What is the most significant challenge for countries like India, according to the passage, in reducing their reliance on China for critical minerals?

A) The high cost of building new supply chains
B) The lack of strong diplomatic relations with China
C) India’s limited capacity to process critical minerals
D) The current lack of partnerships and alternative supply chains outside of China

Answers and Explanations:

1. Answer: D) To counter U.S. and European Union sanctions by using minerals as a geopolitical tool
   Explanation: The passage highlights that China’s export restrictions are part of its broader geopolitical strategy, especially in response to countries trying to reduce reliance on Chinese supplies.
2. Answer: A) China has historically used minerals as leverage in geopolitical disputes.
   Explanation: The passage draws a parallel with the 2010 incident when China restricted rare earth elements to Japan, indicating that China has previously used minerals as a geopolitical tool.
3. Answer: B) India does not have significant domestic reserves of critical minerals like cobalt, nickel, and copper.
   Explanation: The argument about India’s vulnerability assumes that India must rely on imports because it lacks domestic sources for these minerals.
4. Answer: A) Many countries have developed alternative sources of critical minerals.
   Explanation: If other countries have already developed alternative supply chains, China’s export restrictions would have less impact, weakening the argument about harm to global technological development.
5. Answer: D) The current lack of partnerships and alternative supply chains outside of China
   Explanation: The passage stresses the importance of countries like India investing in alternative supply chains and partnerships to reduce dependence on China, which is currently a significant challenge.