美国稀土重见希望！国防局怒砸重金，绕开中国是迟早的事情？

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the ongoing competition between China and the United States in the rare earth industry, highlighting China's dominant position and the U.S. efforts to regain its former leadership in this sector [5][7]. Group 1: China's Dominance in Rare Earths - China holds a significant position in the global rare earth supply chain, accounting for 90% of the processing and refining of rare earths [9]. - The country has substantial control over the production of essential components for high-tech products, including smartphones and military aircraft, thereby gaining considerable influence in the global industrial system [9]. Group 2: U.S. Response and Investment - The U.S. government and major corporations are actively working to rebuild their rare earth industry, with Apple investing $500 million in the only U.S. rare earth company [10]. - The U.S. Department of Defense has become the largest shareholder of this company, committing to procure 100% of its rare earths for military applications over the next decade [10]. Group 3: Challenges Faced by the U.S. - Analysts suggest that the U.S. investment primarily targets companies related to national security, and the recovery of the rare earth industry may take 10 to 20 years, with significant costs involved [12]. - The U.S. faces high extraction costs and lacks a large domestic market to absorb rare earth resources, making it difficult to achieve self-sufficiency [18]. Group 4: U.S. Tactics to Circumvent Chinese Restrictions - The U.S. has been importing "antimony oxide" from Thailand and Mexico to disguise the origin of rare earths, indicating a level of anxiety regarding China's export controls [14]. - This tactic reflects the U.S. attempts to navigate around China's restrictions while highlighting the challenges it faces in sourcing rare earths [14]. Group 5: China's Countermeasures - In response to U.S. tactics, China has strengthened its laws against rare earth smuggling, imposing fines up to 20 times the value of the goods and implementing GPS tracking for rare earth shipments [16]. - China has warned countries that attempt to act as intermediaries for U.S. interests, indicating potential economic sanctions for those that deviate from established trade practices [16]. Group 6: The Dilemma for Allies - European, Japanese, and South Korean countries are caught in the middle of the U.S.-China rivalry, facing the choice between stable trade relations with China or waiting for the U.S. to develop its rare earth supply chain, which could take years [24]. - The potential for the U.S. to leverage rare earth resources as a bargaining chip in negotiations poses a significant risk for these countries [24]. Group 7: Strategic Implications - While China maintains its position as a key player in the rare earth market, it emphasizes a cooperative approach, avoiding the weaponization of trade [27]. - Rare earths have become a strategic asset, influencing future competition and highlighting the importance of adhering to established trade rules [27].