Workflow
5天3问紧盯稀土,美国情况危急,先把和中国的承诺兑现了再说
Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-06-01 01:24

Core Viewpoint - The urgency of the U.S. inquiring about the lifting of China's rare earth export controls reflects the deep impact of China's policies on U.S. strategic industries and highlights the U.S. position in the ongoing China-U.S. competition [1][5]. Group 1: China's Rare Earth Dominance - China holds the largest global reserves of rare earth elements and has a complete industrial chain, controlling 61% of global production and supplying 92% of refined rare earths and 99% of heavy rare earths [1][2]. - The unique advantage in the rare earth sector has led to a legal monopoly for China, making U.S. and other Western industries heavily reliant on Chinese supplies [1][2]. Group 2: U.S. Industry Vulnerabilities - The military sector, particularly the F-35 fighter jet, relies on China for approximately 87% of its rare earth supply, posing a risk of production halts if supplies are restricted [2][5]. - The renewable energy sector, exemplified by Tesla's humanoid robot project, is also facing challenges due to rare earth shortages, reflecting a broader issue across high-tech industries in the U.S. [2][5]. Group 3: U.S. Response and Strategy - The U.S. has attempted to negotiate with China, with claims of a commitment from China to lift export restrictions, but no actual changes have been observed from the Chinese side [4][5]. - The U.S. is exploring tariff reductions as a bargaining chip to persuade China to ease export controls, but this strategy has been recognized by China as ineffective [5][6]. Group 4: China's Firm Stance - China has reiterated that adjustments to its export control measures depend on the U.S. correcting its actions, emphasizing that dialogue is necessary rather than threats [8][11]. - Recent meetings in China focused on tightening controls over strategic mineral exports, indicating a commitment to maintaining strict export regulations [8][11]. Group 5: Broader Implications - The rare earth issue is a microcosm of the larger strategic interactions between China and the U.S., with China leveraging its rare earth advantages as a strategic asset [10][11]. - The ongoing tensions and lack of trust between the two nations suggest that any decisions regarding strategic resources must be approached with caution [11].