美媒突然发现：中方虽已恢复稀土供应，但又狠狠将了美国一军

Core Viewpoint - The ongoing trade dispute between the US and China has intensified around rare earth elements, with China controlling over 70% of global production and significantly impacting US military and high-tech industries [1][9][20] Group 1: Trade Regulations and Impact - In late 2024, China's Ministry of Commerce introduced new regulations requiring export licenses for certain rare earth elements, leading to global supply chain disruptions [3][9] - By early 2025, China suspended exports of seven critical rare earth elements essential for military applications, directly affecting US defense contractors like Lockheed Martin [3][5] - Despite temporary agreements to ease tensions, China maintained strict controls on military-related rare earth exports, complicating US supply efforts [5][11] Group 2: US Response and Challenges - The US Department of Defense reported that rare earth shortages could delay missile production, with current inventory levels only sufficient for a few months [9][13] - The US government is pushing for domestic rare earth development, but establishing a complete supply chain from mining to processing will take years [9][13] - US companies are facing difficulties in obtaining rare earth licenses, with only half of applications being approved, leading to tight inventories in critical sectors like semiconductors and AI [15][18] Group 3: Strategic Implications - The rare earth conflict reflects broader geopolitical tensions, with the US attempting to pressure China through tariffs while China uses supply chain control as a countermeasure [13][20] - China's export control measures are seen as a strategic move to ensure resource security and market stability, while the US struggles to diversify its supply sources [20] - The long-term outlook suggests that the US must adapt to a multipolar world and rethink its position in global supply chains, particularly in critical resources like rare earths [16][20]