又盯上中国了，“印太”稀土联盟已成，四国在美牵手，中方做特殊决定

Group 1 - The core point of the article is the establishment of the "Indo-Pacific Rare Earth Alliance" by the US, Japan, Australia, and India, which aims to secure rare earth supply chains but is perceived as a direct challenge to China's dominance in this sector [1][3][5] - China holds 38% of global rare earth reserves and over 60% of production, with more than 90% of refining capabilities, highlighting its significant role in the rare earth market [1][5] - The alliance's members face challenges in developing their own rare earth capabilities, with Japan's underwater mining project facing delays and Australia's projects being technically reliant on China [1][5][8] Group 2 - China's recent export controls on rare earths are framed as legal and reasonable under WTO rules, allowing for export restrictions for national security and environmental reasons [3][5] - The Chinese government has issued 237 rare earth export licenses to US companies in the first half of the year, indicating a willingness to manage exports rather than impose a blanket ban [3][5] - The "Indo-Pacific Rare Earth Alliance" plans to invest $5 billion in building a rare earth supply chain, but the feasibility of achieving a complete supply chain outside of China is questioned [5][8] Group 3 - China's advantages in the rare earth sector stem from decades of technological accumulation and industrial investment, making it difficult for other countries to quickly establish competitive capabilities [5][8] - In response to the alliance, China is enhancing its export controls and investing in the upgrade of its rare earth industry, while also developing alternative materials to reduce dependency on rare earths [8][10] - The article suggests that a confrontational approach by the alliance may ultimately harm all parties involved, advocating for dialogue and cooperation instead [10]