又盯上中国了，“印太”稀土联盟已成，四国在美牵手，中方已做好打算

Core Viewpoint - The establishment of the "Quad Critical Minerals Initiative" by the US, Japan, India, and Australia aims to create an "Indo-Pacific Rare Earth Alliance" to counter China's dominance in the rare earth sector, especially in light of China's recent export control measures [1][4]. Group 1: Rare Earth Importance - Rare earth elements are crucial for modern industries, playing a key role in sectors such as electric vehicle battery manufacturing, electronics miniaturization, aerospace materials, and military precision-guided weapons [3]. - China holds approximately 52 million tons of proven rare earth reserves, nearly half of the global total, and produced 210,000 tons in 2023, accounting for nearly 70% of global production [3]. Group 2: Geopolitical Context - The "Indo-Pacific Rare Earth Alliance" is a response to China's strengthened export controls, which are framed by the Quad countries as a national security concern due to over-reliance on a single country's resources [4][6]. - Despite having some rare earth reserves, countries like the US and Australia face significant challenges in achieving self-sufficiency and meeting the alliance's demands, with estimates suggesting the US may need at least ten years to reduce its dependence on China [6]. Group 3: Internal Challenges within the Alliance - The alliance is not without internal conflicts, as the US, Japan, Australia, and India have differing positions on trade, defense spending, and regional issues, which could undermine the alliance's cohesion and effectiveness [6]. Group 4: China's Response - In response to the challenges posed by the "Indo-Pacific Rare Earth Alliance," China is implementing strict export controls and enhancing its domestic rare earth industry through consolidation and technological innovation [8]. - China is also expanding its overseas rare earth resource partnerships to strengthen its position in the global supply chain [8].