美澳签完协议，欧盟才发现被卖了，电话打到北京一谈就是两个小时

Core Points - The US and Australia signed a framework agreement on critical minerals and rare earth supply chain security, committing $1 billion each over six months, with a total investment pipeline of $8.5 billion and estimated mineral reserves worth $53 billion [2][3] - The agreement aims to reduce reliance on China, which controls 60% of global rare earth production and 90% of processing capacity, by diversifying supply sources [2][3] Group 1: Agreement Details - The agreement includes joint investment in mining projects, enhancement of processing capabilities in Australia, and independent projects led by Australia, with Japan as a partner [3] - Specific projects include financing for Australian companies like Alafura Rare Earths, Northern Minerals, and GrapheneX, with over $2.2 billion in financing intentions from the US Export-Import Bank [3] - The focus is on mining rare earth elements such as neodymium, praseodymium, and dysprosium, which are essential for electric vehicle batteries, wind turbines, and defense equipment [3] Group 2: Global Supply Chain Context - The agreement comes amid increasing global supply chain tensions, with the US relying on China for 80% of its rare earth imports [5] - Australia, as the second-largest rare earth reserve holder, aims to unlock its potential through this collaboration [5] - The agreement includes provisions for expedited mining permits, minimum pricing for minerals, joint geological exploration, and mechanisms to prevent the sale of critical assets affecting national security [5] Group 3: EU's Response - The EU, previously aligned with the US in pressuring China on rare earth exports, finds itself sidelined by the US-Australia agreement [6][7] - The EU's industries, particularly automotive, semiconductor, and wind energy, are heavily dependent on rare earth imports, and recent Chinese export controls have exacerbated this dependency [6][7] - EU Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis expressed concerns over China's export restrictions and sought dialogue to find urgent solutions [6][7] Group 4: Challenges Ahead - The EU acknowledges its short-term inability to reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains, despite preparing trade options in response to the US-Australia agreement [7] - The US and Australia face significant challenges in energy reliability and processing capacity, with concerns about the feasibility of scaling up production to compete with China [7][8] - The agreement's success will depend on effective execution and collaboration among allies, as the global supply chain landscape becomes increasingly complex [8]