Like you, VP, I think that alowing this sale to China in particular would be a strategic mistake, and one that this administration is unlikely to make.  I do want this mine in operation, so I am hopeful that the right buyer will come along.

As you said, China has tried to place a stranglehold on REEs to the extent that they can, and this is likely a further effort toward that goal.  It is also noteworthy that there are relatively few truly private companies in China.  Most are owned either by the civilian government or by the military, and often with the illusion of looking like a private company.  So, in most cases, it is the Chinese government furthering it's goals in situations like this, even if it looks like a routine business deal.  Since China is, at best, a strategic competitor, and at worst an enemy, it is not in our interest to allow this sale.