Group 1 - Latin American countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Peru are becoming central to the US-China competition over critical minerals, as they sit at the upstream of the global supply chain [1][2] - The US is intensifying efforts to establish Latin America as a "non-China processing chain" to reduce reliance on Chinese resources, including investments in lithium and niobium [1][2] - Resource nationalism is rising in Latin America, with countries like Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile enforcing regulations to ensure foreign investments contribute to local processing and technology transfer [1][2] Group 2 - The geopolitical competition over critical minerals is reshaping global power dynamics, with Latin America playing a decisive role due to its rich mineral resources [2][3] - The demand for critical minerals, essential for modern manufacturing and defense supply chains, is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, particularly for lithium, copper, and rare earth elements [3][5] - The US is facing a supply gap in critical minerals, as many domestic projects are unlikely to be operational in the short term, necessitating reliance on Latin American resources [5][14] Group 3 - China holds a dominant position in the global supply chain for critical minerals, controlling a significant share of production and processing, particularly in rare earth elements [8][10] - The US is attempting to catch up by investing in domestic production and processing capabilities through various legislative measures, while also engaging in direct investments in critical mineral companies [12][13] - Latin America is viewed as a strategic area for the US due to its proximity, resource wealth, and historical economic ties, making it a focal point in the US-China competition [14][19] Group 4 - The political landscape in Latin America is changing, with upcoming elections potentially altering the mining and energy sectors, as seen in Bolivia and Chile [19][21] - Countries in the region are seeking to enhance their positions in the mineral value chain, aiming for more than just raw material extraction, and are looking to develop processing and high-end manufacturing capabilities [18][19] - The competition between the US and China is forcing Latin American countries to navigate their relationships carefully, balancing investment attraction with national sovereignty [18][21]
斯科特·麦克唐纳、布雷特·希林：中美关键矿产大战，这一地区缘何至关重要？