论文《动向猜想：米国企图出卖乌克兰换取俄罗斯稀土供应以摆脱对中国的依赖》

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the potential U.S. strategy of sacrificing Ukrainian interests in exchange for Russian rare earth supplies to reduce dependence on China, highlighting the shortsightedness of this approach and its implications for U.S.-China relations [4][19]. Group 1: U.S. Rare Earth Supply Chain Challenges - The U.S. is heavily reliant on China for rare earth elements, with 80% of its imports coming from China, which controls over 90% of global refining capacity [5][6]. - U.S. military applications, such as the F-35 fighter jet, depend on Chinese rare earth materials, and the U.S. defense stockpile is only sufficient for a few months of production [5]. - Despite efforts to rebuild its supply chain, the U.S. is projected to meet only 5% of its rare earth separation capacity by 2023, even after investing $1.5 billion [6]. Group 2: Geopolitical Dynamics of U.S.-Russia Cooperation - Any U.S.-Russia cooperation on rare earths would require compromises regarding the Ukraine conflict, which presents significant geopolitical challenges [7]. - Russia has limited rare earth extraction and processing capabilities, producing only 2,700 tons of rare earth concentrate in 2024, which is less than 1.5% of global production [11]. Group 3: Ukraine's Rare Earth Resource Development - Ukraine claims to have $14.8 trillion in mineral resources, but the actual exploitable rare earth reserves are questionable, with many located in Russian-controlled areas [8][12]. - The development of Ukrainian rare earth resources faces significant technical and cost challenges, making it difficult for the U.S. to bypass Russian control [8]. Group 4: China's Dominance in Rare Earths - China controls the entire rare earth production process, from exploration to processing, and has a significant cost advantage over international competitors [9][10]. - China's strategic partnerships and dynamic adjustments to its rare earth reserves position it as an indispensable player in the global supply chain [9]. Group 5: Potential U.S. Actions Against China - If U.S.-Russia rare earth cooperation succeeds, the U.S. may escalate technological restrictions and economic sanctions against China, including expanding export controls on strategic resources [10][13]. - The U.S. may also engage in military provocations in regions like the South China Sea to complement its rare earth strategy [14]. Group 6: China's Response Strategies - China is likely to enhance its technological barriers and invest in green extraction technologies to maintain its competitive edge in rare earths [15]. - Strengthening cooperation with Russia and other emerging markets through strategic partnerships will be crucial for China to counter U.S. moves [16][17]. - China may implement stricter export controls and blacklist entities that violate its trade regulations, reinforcing its position in the global rare earth market [18].