欧盟：希望中方不要将安世问题闹大，并且放宽对欧稀土出口管制

Core Viewpoint - The recent trade tensions between China and the EU highlight the EU's contradictory stance of wanting to ease restrictions on rare earth exports while simultaneously avoiding escalation from the ASML semiconductor takeover incident [1][5]. Group 1: Trade Relations and Rare Earths - The EU is urging China to relax its export controls on rare earths, which are crucial for the EU's green transition and high-end manufacturing [3][5]. - Currently, around 2,000 rare earth export applications are pending approval in China, with only about half being granted [3]. - The German automotive industry has warned that supply disruptions could lead to production halts for some car manufacturers [3]. Group 2: Semiconductor Industry and ASML Incident - The ASML incident illustrates the EU's double standards, as the company, despite being headquartered in the Netherlands, relies heavily on Chinese operations for chip packaging and testing [6][8]. - Following the Dutch government's unilateral takeover of ASML, China implemented export controls, impacting the supply chain for European automotive manufacturers like BMW and Volkswagen [6][8]. Group 3: EU's Self-Rescue Plans - The EU is advancing the Critical Raw Materials Act to diversify supply sources from Africa and Latin America, aiming to reduce dependence on China [5]. - However, establishing an independent rare earth refining system in Europe is projected to take at least 20 to 30 years, during which time reliance on Chinese supplies will continue [5]. Group 4: Diplomatic Dynamics - The EU's actions reflect its ongoing struggle between maintaining a rules-based international order and its economic dependence on China [8][11]. - China's response to the EU's demands is clear: the Netherlands must revoke its measures against ASML for China to lift export restrictions, while also offering a "green channel" for EU companies to facilitate approvals [8][11]. - The EU's insistence on double standards could exacerbate the current supply chain crisis and jeopardize EU-China relations [11].