印太稀土联盟悄然成型？四国齐聚美国，中方做了个29年来的重大决定

Core Viewpoint - The meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Rubio and foreign ministers from Australia, India, and Japan aims to strengthen cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in the area of critical mineral supply chains [1][3]. Group 1: Strategic Cooperation - The four nations are initiating a "Quad Critical Minerals Action" to ensure the security and diversification of critical mineral supply chains, enhancing economic security and overall resilience [1]. - Rubio emphasized the importance of diversifying supply sources for key minerals, which are crucial for high-tech and various other industries [1][3]. Group 2: Concerns Over Supply Chain - The joint statement from the foreign ministers highlighted concerns over China's strengthened export controls on rare earths, which have raised serious worries about supply chain reliability [3]. - The four countries are wary of over-reliance on any single nation for resource supplies, which they believe could jeopardize national security [3]. Group 3: China's Position - China holds a dominant position in the global rare earth market, being a major producer and exporter, which has led to dissatisfaction among the U.S., Japan, India, and Australia regarding their dependence on Chinese supplies [3]. - China's recent amendments to its mineral resources law aim to enhance the security of its mineral resources and promote sustainable mining practices, reflecting a broader strategy to safeguard national interests [5][7]. Group 4: Regulatory Measures - China has implemented stricter controls on rare earths to combat issues like smuggling and illegal mining, reinforcing its commitment to national security in this critical sector [7]. - The Chinese government has established a tracking system for rare earth magnets, requiring producers to submit detailed transaction information to enhance oversight [7].