美国不让中国碰乌克兰稀土，背后藏着3个算盘

Core Viewpoint - The United States is reportedly pressuring Ukraine to sign a "China-exclusion clause," explicitly prohibiting Chinese companies from participating in the post-war development of Ukraine's rare earth resources [1][9]. Group 1: U.S. Strategy and Interests - The U.S. sees Ukraine as a strategic resource hub in the context of geopolitical competition, particularly concerning rare earth elements [9][12]. - The U.S. aims to prevent China from gaining access to Ukraine's rare earth resources, which are critical for high-end military and industrial applications [6][11]. - The U.S. has prioritized investment in Ukraine's reconstruction, ensuring that it retains exclusive rights to new investment projects [9][11]. Group 2: Rare Earth Elements Significance - Rare earth elements, often referred to as "industrial vitamins," are essential for various technologies, including smartphones, missiles, and satellites [4][6]. - Although Ukraine's rare earth reserves are not among the top three globally, they contain unique minerals like dysprosium and terbium, which are highly sought after [6][12]. - China currently dominates over 90% of the global rare earth refining and processing capacity, making it a critical player in the supply chain [4][11]. Group 3: Potential Outcomes and Dynamics - Ukraine's need for funding and technology post-war may lead it to reconsider its options, potentially opening doors for Chinese investment despite U.S. pressure [12][13]. - The international political landscape is fluid, and changes in U.S. administration could alter the current stance on Ukraine and China [12][13]. - Ultimately, the health of the global rare earth supply chain may depend on cooperation rather than confrontation, as market dynamics often override political mandates [13].