中国恢复对美国稀土供应，顺手立下了新规矩，以彼之道还施彼身

Core Viewpoint - The recent meeting between the leaders of China and the United States has led to a more relaxed atmosphere, particularly regarding China's commitment to resume rare earth supplies to the U.S. [1] Group 1: China's Rare Earth Supply Strategy - China has introduced a new export management system called "Certified End-User," which functions as a whitelist or VIP membership for global rare earth buyers [2][3] - Approved "VIP users" (U.S. civilian companies) will benefit from simplified approval processes and stable supply, while unidentified "potential risk users," especially those linked to the U.S. military, will face strict scrutiny [5][9] Group 2: Historical Context and Strategic Implications - This system is a form of "reverse learning," mirroring the U.S. "Validated End-User" system established in 2007 to restrict sensitive exports to China [7] - The new system allows China to effectively monitor the end-use of rare earths, making it difficult for U.S. defense contractors to circumvent regulations [10][12] Group 3: Broader Economic and Diplomatic Significance - The establishment of this system signifies a more sophisticated and precise approach to trade and diplomacy from China, moving beyond simple bans or open trade [14] - It compels the U.S. and its allies to reassess their strategies for decoupling from China, as alternatives to Chinese rare earths face significant challenges [14] - This approach intertwines economic resources with national security, providing a new paradigm for global economic security amidst geopolitical tensions [14][16] Group 4: Conclusion on Strategic Competition - The resumption of rare earth supplies symbolizes a thaw in U.S.-China relations, but China's strategic design transforms this into a complex game of rules regarding who can buy and how the resources can be used [16] - This silent competition over "industrial vitamins" demonstrates that true strategic players use their opponent's resources to win their own game [17]