TECH – In an unexpected breakthrough from one of the world’s harshest environments, Chinese researchers have successfully turned parts of the Gobi Desert into a viable source of military-grade rubber, an achievement that could reshape China’s strategic materials supply. According to Interesting Engineering, the project transforms arid, near-lifeless land into productive acreage capable of supporting advanced defence and industrial needs.
Traditionally, China has relied heavily on natural rubber sourced from tropical plantations in its southern regions or imported from Southeast Asia. However, surging global demand and increasing geopolitical uncertainty have exposed vulnerabilities in that supply chain. In 2024 alone, China consumed more than seven million tonnes of rubber, with over 85 percent coming from overseas suppliers. Reducing that dependence has become a strategic priority.
At the heart of the Gobi initiative is Duzhong (Eucommia ulmoides), a hardy native tree long used in traditional Chinese medicine. Scientists have now unlocked its industrial potential, discovering that rubber extracted from Duzhong significantly enhances performance when blended with conventional rubber compounds. Even a small addition—around three to five percent—can dramatically improve durability, wear resistance, and structural strength. These properties are especially valuable for high-performance tyres, puncture-resistant materials, and advanced defence applications such as electromagnetic shielding.
Read More: China Pushes Fusion Power Forward as Net-Energy Goal Looms
What began as a small-scale experiment in 2016, covering just 14 hectares of barren desert land near Xinjiang, has grown into a thriving forest plantation. Researchers involved in the project report that the trees have exceeded growth expectations, effectively converting wasteland into productive terrain. Nationwide, China now cultivates Duzhong across roughly 300,000 hectares, with ambitious plans to expand to more than 3.3 million hectares by 2030—including an additional 300,000 hectares in the Gobi Desert alone.
Achieving this scale required major scientific advances. Researchers developed drought-resistant Duzhong varieties through selective breeding and refined cultivation techniques suited to extreme arid conditions. They also pioneered a cleaner extraction process using eco-friendly solvents and bio-based methods, reducing energy use while improving rubber yield.
Beyond agriculture, the project reflects China’s broader push to secure critical supply chains. By turning desert land into a source of strategic materials, Beijing aims to strengthen domestic resilience—ensuring that vital civilian and military industries are less exposed to external shocks in an increasingly uncertain world.
