一半稀土已获批！中国终于点头，特殊通道成了欧盟的“救命稻草”

Core Insights - The EU is increasingly anxious about the rare earth situation following the US-China trade talks, leading to frequent meetings with Chinese representatives to seek favorable outcomes [1][3] - The establishment of a "special communication channel" between the EU and China indicates a strategic shift in the EU's approach to rare earth issues, with a focus on expediting the processing of applications from European companies [1][3] Group 1: EU's Rare Earth Strategy - EU Trade Commissioner Šefčovič revealed that over half of the approximately 2,000 applications submitted by European companies since China's rare earth export controls were implemented have been approved [1][3] - The EU aims to develop local resources in Estonia, but the timeline for production is estimated to take 5 to 8 years, highlighting the urgency of securing immediate supplies from China [3][4] - The EU's green transition, particularly in the electric vehicle and wind energy sectors, is heavily dependent on rare earth materials, with demand projected to triple by 2025 [3][6] Group 2: China's Position and Strategy - China's rare earth industry benefits from a complete supply chain, allowing it to convert raw materials into high-value products, creating a dual barrier of technology and resources [6][7] - The Chinese government emphasizes "fair trade" in its dealings, indicating that compliance with regulations is necessary for companies seeking to access rare earth supplies [7][9] - The establishment of the "special channel" is seen as a mutual benefit, with the EU needing stable supplies for its green transition and China seeking to maintain its market dominance [9][12] Group 3: Geopolitical Implications - The EU's reliance on China for rare earths reflects a contradiction in its strategy, as it previously aligned with the US against China but now seeks cooperation in critical resource areas [6][10] - Internal divisions within the EU regarding its approach to China may provide China with leverage in negotiations, as different member states have varying priorities [12][10] - The ongoing rare earth competition is characterized as a resource, technology, and regulatory battle, with the potential for future conflicts if the EU does not reciprocate China's cooperation [15][12]