马克龙：欧盟已忍无可忍，中国再不卖稀土，就该启动“核选项”了

Core Viewpoint - The recent comments by French President Macron at the EU summit regarding China's rare earth export restrictions indicate a sense of urgency and a desire to assert France's influence within the EU, rather than a genuine threat to escalate tensions with China [1][3][9]. Group 1: China's Rare Earth Export Controls - In the second half of 2023, China began implementing export controls on key minerals, including rare earths, which are essential for high-tech products like electric vehicles and advanced chips [3][5]. - China holds one-third of the world's rare earth reserves but has been supplying over 90% of the global market, leading to environmental degradation and public discontent due to mining practices [5][12]. - The Chinese government is tightening regulations to manage rare earth exports more responsibly, emphasizing long-term environmental considerations over short-term economic gains [12][14]. Group 2: EU's Response and Internal Dynamics - Macron's invocation of the "nuclear option" through the EU's Anti-Coercion Instrument is seen as a political maneuver to bolster France's standing in the EU, rather than a unified EU stance against China [7][9]. - The Anti-Coercion Instrument, which includes measures like market access restrictions and punitive tariffs, has not yet been tested in practice, raising questions about its effectiveness [7][10]. - There is a lack of consensus within the EU regarding a hardline approach against China, with countries like Germany and Eastern European nations expressing concerns about their reliance on Chinese rare earths [9][10]. Group 3: Global Supply Chain Considerations - The global supply chain is interdependent, and while the EU has expressed a desire to reduce reliance on China, there are currently no viable alternatives to replace Chinese rare earth supplies [17][19]. - China's approach to rare earth exports is framed as a move towards responsible resource management rather than an act of economic coercion, highlighting the need for cooperation rather than confrontation [15][19]. - The ongoing dialogue emphasizes that resolving issues through negotiation is more effective than political posturing, suggesting that both sides need to approach the situation with sincerity and a willingness to collaborate [20].