普京28天死命令：押注稀土，中俄合作变局？

Core Insights - Russia is under pressure to develop a detailed roadmap for its rare earth and critical metals industry by December 1, indicating a significant shift in the global rare earth landscape and Russia's strategic ambitions [1][12][13] Group 1: Strategic Context - The urgency of the directive reflects Russia's awareness of being marginalized in the international arena and its desire to leverage its resource advantages to navigate current geopolitical challenges [3][12] - Russia possesses 28 million tons of rare earth reserves, with the Tomtor deposit being the largest single rare earth mine globally, yet it struggles with technological challenges that hinder its ability to capitalize on these resources [5][12] Group 2: Industry Development Challenges - The Russian rare earth industry has lagged due to low technological levels and an incomplete industrial chain, with current extraction rates only a small fraction of total reserves [5][7] - High-end demand for rare earths has historically relied on imports, posing a strategic risk for Russia [5][12] Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Putin's goal is to establish a complete industrial chain that supports defense, technology, and manufacturing, competing against China's dominant position in the rare earth sector [7][9] - The global rare earth industry is becoming a key element in geopolitical strategy, with the U.S. and EU also striving to bolster their domestic industries to reduce reliance on China [9][12] Group 4: Future Prospects - Russia's approach may involve international cooperation, particularly with China, to overcome its technological bottlenecks and enhance its position in the global market [11][12] - The development of the rare earth industry is seen as a long-term endeavor requiring significant investment and time, with the potential to reshape global supply dynamics if successful [12][13]