523票通过，欧洲议会判中国稀土管控“违法”，中方回应直击软肋

Group 1: European Parliament Vote - The European Parliament's vote on July 10 resulted in 523 votes in favor, 75 against, and 14 abstentions, labeling China's rare earth export controls as "illegal" and highlighting internal anxieties within Europe [1][3][5] - The timing of the vote, just weeks before European Commission President von der Leyen's visit to China, suggests it was a strategic political maneuver [3][14] - The resolution reflects contradictory demands from the EU, seeking assurance of supply while rejecting compliance with China's export regulations, revealing the EU's strategic vulnerabilities [3][7] Group 2: Rare Earths as Strategic Resources - Rare earths are crucial for modern industries, including electric vehicles and military applications, yet the EU's efforts to establish a domestic supply chain face significant challenges [5][16] - China controls 70% of global rare earth production and possesses superior refining technology, complicating Europe's position in the supply chain [7][10] - The EU's dependency on China for 98% of its rare earth needs underscores the difficulty of achieving self-sufficiency in the near term [7][16] Group 3: China's Response - China has criticized the EU's accusations as political manipulation, emphasizing that export controls are standard practice for strategic materials [10][12] - China has implemented stricter monitoring of rare earth exports to prevent misuse, asserting that compliance with regulations allows for normal trade [10][18] - The ongoing tensions reflect a broader struggle between European aspirations for independence and reliance on Chinese resources [12][20] Group 4: Future of China-EU Relations - The cancellation of the scheduled China-EU economic dialogue indicates strategic confusion within the EU and potential external influences, particularly from the U.S. [26] - The upcoming negotiations between von der Leyen and China will be critical in determining the future of trade relations, with both sides needing to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics [16][28] - The outcome of these discussions could significantly impact Europe's green industries and overall economic stability, depending on whether the EU chooses cooperation or confrontation [18][28]