It is ‘flourishing’: China’s man-made forest in Gobi produces good rubber for military use

South China Morning PostEN 1 min read 100% complete by Shi HuangJanuary 30, 2026 at 12:00 PM

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China is cultivating Duzhong trees, a source of natural rubber, in the Gobi Desert to reduce its reliance on rubber imports. As the world's largest consumer of natural rubber, primarily for its automotive industry, China imports over 85% of its needs. Duzhong rubber, also used in traditional Chinese medicine, is particularly valuable for military applications due to its durability and electromagnetic shielding properties. Previously cultivated in central and southern China with limited yields, the Gobi Desert project aims to improve production of this strategic resource. The project is flourishing and is expected to provide good rubber for military use.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Yangtze Plain 40% Chinese medicine (TCM) 50% Gobi Desert 70% Duzhong (Eucommia ulmoides) ×475% China ×490%

Keywords

natural rubber 100% duzhong 90% military use 80% gobi desert 70% china 60% rubber trees 60% puncture-resistant tyres 50% wear resistance 50% medicinal plant 40%

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Positive

Score: 0.30

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Source

South China Morning Post

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90%

Geographic Perspective

China

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natural rubber duzhong military use gobi desert china rubber trees puncture-resistant tyres wear resistance medicinal plant

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