中国升级稀土管制，为何欧盟感到深深寒意？

Core Viewpoint - The European Union (EU) expresses deep concern over China's recent rare earth export control measures, indicating anxiety about the impact on European industries [1][4]. Group 1: EU's Response and Position - The EU's trade spokesperson emphasizes the expectation for China to act as a reliable partner, revealing a sense of helplessness in their response [4]. - The EU had recently imposed a 50% tariff on Chinese steel and reduced quotas by 45%, indicating a confrontational stance towards China, which was countered by China's rare earth export controls [4][10]. - The EU's attempt to impose price controls on Chinese rare earths was preempted by China's actions, showcasing a strategic advantage for China in this trade conflict [4][6]. Group 2: China's Strategy and Implications - China's export control policy signals a clear message: compliance with demand reporting will be rewarded, while attempts to resell to the U.S. will result in supply cuts [6]. - The EU is heavily reliant on China for rare earths, with over 90% of its supply coming from China, making it difficult for Europe to find alternatives in the short term [6][7]. - China's control over the entire rare earth supply chain positions it as a "global distributor," complicating the EU's ability to negotiate effectively [14]. Group 3: Future Dynamics and Industry Impact - The competition over rare earths is expected to escalate, with potential for increased geopolitical tensions and conflicts among EU member states over access to these resources [9][16]. - The EU's dual approach of seeking to reduce dependency on China while simultaneously relying on Chinese supplies reflects a contradiction in its policy [10][12]. - In the long term, China's strategic use of rare earths could lead to significant shifts in global supply chains, impacting industries reliant on these materials, such as defense and technology [16][18].