普京想打“稀土”牌，给特朗普开后门？中国要给自己留后手

Core Viewpoint - The ongoing "rare earth war" between China and the United States is intensifying, with Russia's involvement adding complexity to the geopolitical landscape. Russia aims to leverage its significant rare earth reserves to gain a foothold in the international market [1][3]. Group 1: Rare Earth Resources - Russia possesses substantial rare earth reserves, with the Lovozero and Tomtor mines estimated to hold up to 28.5 million tons [1][3]. - Rare earth elements are critical for modern technology and industry, leading to fierce competition among nations [3]. Group 2: Geopolitical Implications - The U.S. relies on China for rare earth supplies, while China uses this dependency as leverage against the U.S. [3]. - Russia's strategy appears to be aimed at securing its domestic rare earth needs while enhancing its international supply capabilities, potentially positioning itself as an alternative to China for the U.S. [3][7]. Group 3: Challenges in Extraction and Technology - Despite its large reserves, Russia faces challenges in extraction and refining technologies, which are crucial for becoming a significant player in the rare earth market [5]. - The low ore grade at the Lovozero mine and the fact that the Tomtor mine has not yet been developed indicate that Russia may struggle to become a major supplier in the short term [5]. Group 4: Future Market Dynamics - The future of the rare earth market is uncertain, influenced by international relations, policy changes, and technological advancements [7]. - Russia's ability to participate effectively in the rare earth competition will depend on its technological capabilities, policy execution, and market reactions [7].