从被五国收割到卡死美军工，中国稀土翻身战有多硬核？

Core Viewpoint - The transformation of China's rare earth industry from a low-cost exporter to a strategic resource powerhouse has significant implications for global power dynamics, particularly in military and high-tech sectors [1][5][6]. Group 1: Historical Context - Thirty years ago, China sold rare earth resources at low prices to five countries, which were then used for military and technological applications [1]. - In the 1990s, rare earth prices plummeted, with domestic miners selling below cost while international prices for processed materials soared [3]. Group 2: Key Turning Points - A pivotal moment occurred in 2010 when China cut off rare earth supplies to Japan during a diplomatic dispute, highlighting its control over 90% of global rare earth production [5]. - In 2025, the U.S. faced a crisis when China restricted access to key rare earth elements, severely impacting military production capabilities, particularly for the F-35 fighter jet [6]. Group 3: Strategic Advantages - China maintains complete control over the rare earth supply chain, from mining to production, with significant capabilities in refining and manufacturing [6]. - The complexity of rare earth separation technology has been a barrier for foreign competitors, with Chinese engineers developing processes that remain elusive to U.S. laboratories [6]. - Environmental regulations have been tightened, leading to the closure of small mines and the establishment of six major rare earth groups that collaborate to stabilize prices [6][9]. Group 4: Current Challenges for the U.S. - Despite the reopening of the Mountain Pass mine in the U.S., the country still relies on China for processing, revealing a dependency in the supply chain [7]. - The U.S. military's secret stockpile of 15 tons of dysprosium is only sufficient for six months of operations, underscoring the urgency of the situation [7]. Group 5: Environmental and Economic Impact - The cost of pollution control in China's rare earth mining regions has reached 13 billion yuan, reflecting the environmental challenges associated with the industry [9]. - China has implemented strict environmental standards and advanced recycling technologies, achieving both resource control and pollution management [10].