China's grip on the global market for rare earth metals gives it the ability to target American weaponry in its trade war with the US.

Everything from Lockheed Martin 's F-35 Joint Strike Fighter jet to guided missiles and lasers used to determine targets rely on the elements to perform key functions. China accounts for as much as 95 per cent of global output and the US relies on the Asian nation for 80 per cent of its rare-earths requirement.

Rare earths are used in F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, which both the US and Australian air forces use. Credit:AP

Rare earths, which despite the name are more widely available than precious metals in the Earth's crust, have been thrust into the spotlight by a series of media reports in China signalling Beijing is gearing up to use the minerals as a counter in its trade battle with Washington.

Tit-for-tat tariffs on a slew of commodities including soybeans, natural gas and aluminium have already roiled global markets and threatened global economic growth.