怪不得稀土高管辞职，国家开始收集核心技术人员档案了，欧美慌了

Core Insights - The ongoing competition is not merely a technological rivalry but a complex strategic battle centered around rare earth elements, which are deemed essential for various industries [2] - The U.S. is attempting to establish an independent rare earth industry to challenge China's monopoly, offering salaries as high as $5 million per year to attract Chinese experts [3] - China has recognized the deeper implications of this competition and is taking decisive actions to reshape its rare earth industry, including collecting information on experts and adjusting industry leadership [5] Industry Dynamics - China's government actions are seen as a strategic deployment to prevent talent loss and counteract Western attempts to quickly build a rare earth supply chain through technology theft and talent poaching [7] - The U.S. has expressed a desire to negotiate with China, with the primary condition being the relaxation of rare earth controls, highlighting the pressure the U.S. feels regarding rare earth resources [7] - Historically, Western countries have employed a "high-price harvesting" strategy, monopolizing core technologies and selling them at high prices, while China is now adopting similar protective measures for its core technologies and resources [8] Strategic Importance - Rare earth elements are critical for national defense and aerospace sectors, making them a cornerstone of national security for China, similar to the strategic importance of semiconductors for the U.S. [12] - The measures taken by the Chinese government, such as tightening export licenses and managing personnel flow, are aimed at safeguarding national interests and ensuring a competitive edge in the U.S.-China rivalry [13] - The concept of "freedom" may not be universally beneficial; in key areas, it could pose risks to national security, necessitating a cautious approach by China in protecting its interests while maintaining fair competition [13]