Guan Cha Zhe Wang·2025-11-06 02:11Core Viewpoint - The article discusses China's strategic dominance in critical industries such as rare earths, lithium-ion batteries, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals, emphasizing its ability to leverage this position against the U.S. amid ongoing tensions and trade disputes [1][13]. Industry Insights - Rare Earths: China has established a commanding position in the rare earth supply chain, which is viewed as a dual-use resource with military and civilian applications. The U.S. has attempted to portray this as a "weaponization" of supply, but China maintains that export controls are standard international practices [1]. - Lithium-Ion Batteries: China produces 79% of global battery cathode materials and 92% of anode materials. The two leading battery manufacturers, CATL and BYD, are Chinese companies, and a significant portion of battery components globally is sourced from China [2][5]. - Semiconductors: China holds about one-third of the global capacity for mature process semiconductors, which are essential for various industries, including automotive and consumer electronics. The country has invested heavily in semiconductor manufacturing to achieve self-sufficiency [5][8]. - Pharmaceuticals: A large portion of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) used in U.S. medications is sourced from China. For instance, key ingredients for popular medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen are predominantly produced in China [11][12]. Strategic Developments - Policy Initiatives: In 2015, China set ambitious goals for its electric vehicle industry, leading to significant growth in domestic manufacturers. Recent measures have been taken to further solidify its technological edge in lithium-ion battery production and semiconductor manufacturing [5][11]. - Self-Sufficiency Goals: Over the past two decades, China has focused on reducing its reliance on Western imports, achieving notable success in various sectors, including rare earths and pharmaceuticals. This strategy has made it increasingly difficult for the U.S. to exert pressure on China [13][15]. - Global Supply Chain Impact: The article highlights that the U.S. is more dependent on Chinese rare earths than China is on U.S. agricultural products, indicating a significant imbalance in the trade relationship. This dependency complicates U.S. efforts to retaliate against China [15][16].