Core Viewpoint - China has escalated its rare earth export controls, invoking national security reasons and implementing a "long-arm jurisdiction" over the global rare earth supply chain, which significantly impacts U.S. military capabilities [1][3][16] Group 1: China's Rare Earth Strategy - China is using advanced technologies such as blockchain tracking and nano-level electronic tagging to monitor the entire rare earth supply chain, ensuring transparency while controlling military exports [11] - The dual-track control system allows for civilian use while restricting military applications, effectively targeting U.S. military needs without disrupting normal trade [11][16] - China's rare earth processing capabilities are unmatched, with the ability to achieve a purity level of 99.999%, creating a monopoly in the market [6] Group 2: Impact on U.S. Military - The U.S. is heavily reliant on China for rare earth processing, with 90% of its rare earth elements processed in China, making it vulnerable to supply chain disruptions [6] - The F-35 fighter jet, for example, requires 417 kilograms of rare earth materials, and the U.S. military's rare earth inventory can only last for six months under current export controls [8] - The production of F-35s has drastically decreased from 143 units in 2022 to an expected 36 units in 2024 due to rare earth supply constraints [8] Group 3: Long-term Strategic Implications - The ongoing U.S.-China competition over rare earths is not just a resource battle but also a technological and strategic one, with China actively controlling standards and technology across the supply chain [16][18] - The U.S. faces significant barriers in establishing its own rare earth production capabilities, which could take 5 to 10 years, leaving China in a position of leverage [13] - China's strategy aims to ensure that the U.S. remains dependent on its rare earth market, thereby maximizing the strategic value of these resources [16][18]
中国式长臂管辖:这场稀土战争,我们赢定了
Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-10-14 13:27