中国手握稀土“王牌”，美扛不住了？特朗普放低姿态，拨通中方电话

Group 1: Core Insights - China holds approximately 40% of the world's rare earth reserves and dominates the industry with a complete and advanced supply chain, producing about 90% of the global output in the refining and separation stage [1][3] - The U.S. military heavily relies on rare earth elements for advanced weaponry, with each F-35 fighter jet consuming around 417 kilograms of rare earth materials, highlighting the critical nature of these resources for national defense [3] - The U.S. faces significant challenges in rare earth production and processing, with 70% of its rare earth compounds and metals imported from China between 2020 and 2023, and a lack of capability in heavy rare earth processing [3][4] Group 2: U.S. Strategies and Challenges - The Trump administration sought to diversify rare earth supply sources by exploring partnerships with countries like Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and Mongolia, but faced numerous obstacles in these efforts [4][6] - Technological gaps, high initial investment requirements, and a shortage of skilled professionals hinder the U.S. from quickly developing a reliable rare earth supply chain [6] - China's recent export controls on certain rare earth elements and magnets have directly impacted U.S. industries, particularly automotive and military sectors, leading to production delays and operational challenges [6][8] Group 3: Diplomatic Dynamics - During a recent phone call, President Trump emphasized the need for negotiations on rare earth issues, but China's response indicated a cautious and firm stance on managing its strategic resources [8] - China's approach to rare earth management reflects its commitment to protecting national interests while promoting equitable international cooperation [8] - The ongoing U.S.-China dialogue on rare earths is a microcosm of broader geopolitical tensions, with future interactions likely to influence the global rare earth industry significantly [8]