日本“双面豪赌”——稀土靠美国 能源靠俄罗斯

Core Points - The meeting between US President Trump and Japan's new Prime Minister Kishi Suga resulted in a project list focusing on energy, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals, with Japanese companies considering investments up to $400 billion [1] - Japan has committed to providing $550 billion in strategic investments, loans, and guarantees to the US to negotiate the removal of punitive import tariffs [1] - A significant agreement was signed to strengthen the supply of critical minerals and rare earths, with plans for funding support for selected projects within six months [1] Group 1: Strategic Investments and Agreements - The US and Japan aim to diversify and create a robust market for critical minerals and rare earths, reducing reliance on China [1] - Japan's commitment to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP is part of efforts to solidify ties with the US [1] - The collaboration is seen as an attempt to establish a supply chain that excludes China, enhancing supply chain resilience [1] Group 2: Challenges and Diplomatic Dynamics - China dominates the rare earth market, controlling nearly 90% of refining and separation capacity, posing challenges for US and Japan's supply chain independence [2] - Establishing an independent rare earth supply chain involves significant environmental and time costs, with slow domestic expansion in the US and limited success in Japan's overseas investments [2] - Japan's actions reflect a dual strategy, aligning with the US on strategic minerals while prioritizing its own energy needs, such as continuing imports from Russia for economic reasons [3]