稀土，大消息！外交部回应

Core Viewpoint - China is facing pressure regarding its rare earth export restrictions, which are impacting global supply chains, particularly in the automotive and defense sectors [1][4]. Group 1: Export Restrictions and Global Impact - China's recent crackdown on strategic mineral smuggling includes heavy rare earths, which are crucial for various industries [1]. - The U.S. Geological Survey indicates that in 2024, China's rare earth production will account for nearly 70% of global output, with 70% of U.S. imports coming from China between 2020 and 2023 [4]. - The export controls imposed by China are seen as a response to U.S. tariffs, affecting critical resources for aerospace and military applications, potentially hindering the development of advanced military projects in the U.S. [4][5]. Group 2: Importance of Rare Earths - Rare earths, consisting of 17 elements, are non-renewable strategic resources essential for high-tech industries such as aerospace, defense, electronics, and renewable energy [4]. - Heavy rare earths, which are rarer and unevenly distributed, are predominantly found in China, with over 80% of global reserves located there [4]. - The U.S. military relies heavily on rare earths, with 87% of its supply chain for 153 main battle equipment types dependent on Chinese processing [5].