“特朗普外交政策，万变不离寻找中国稀土替代品”

Core Insights - The article discusses the significance of critical mineral resources in U.S. foreign policy during Trump's second presidential term, highlighting the urgency to reduce dependence on China for these resources [1][3]. Group 1: U.S. Dependency on Critical Minerals - The U.S. is heavily reliant on China for critical minerals, with eight out of nine minerals identified as crucial for the economy having China as their sole or primary source [1]. - Samarium is noted as the most critical mineral, essential for aircraft and missile magnets, with China dominating the entire supply chain from extraction to manufacturing [1][3]. Group 2: Diplomatic Efforts and Agreements - In response to China's export controls on rare earths, the U.S. has been actively seeking alternative sources and signed several agreements, including an $8.5 billion deal with Australia for critical minerals [3][5]. - The U.S. government announced a $1.2 billion investment in two rare earth startups and established a critical mineral agreement with Kazakhstan, which has recently discovered significant rare earth deposits [5]. Group 3: Long-term Challenges - Experts suggest that establishing a secure and independent supply chain for critical minerals in the U.S. could take 10 to 20 years due to underdeveloped production infrastructure in countries like Australia [3][5]. - Despite recent agreements and investments, the U.S. is unlikely to achieve self-sufficiency in critical minerals within a year, indicating a long-term challenge ahead [5]. Group 4: Broader Geopolitical Context - The article emphasizes that mineral resources have become a powerful bargaining chip in U.S. foreign policy, influencing negotiations with various countries, including those in Africa and Central Asia [5][6]. - The U.S. involvement in peace agreements, such as the one between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is also seen as a strategic move to counter China's influence in resource-rich regions [6].