Core Viewpoint - China's rare earth control is a strategic move that directly impacts the military-industrial sectors of both the United States and Japan, leveraging advanced traceability technology to enforce supply chain integrity and exert pressure on these nations [1][10][17]. Group 1: China's Rare Earth Control - China's innovative traceability technology assigns a unique digital identity to each batch of exported rare earths, allowing for real-time tracking from mining to final processing [1][3]. - The traceability system can identify the source of rare earths even if they are processed in other countries, making it difficult for the U.S. to circumvent supply chain issues [3][17]. - China's dominance in rare earth purification technology, developed over decades, creates a significant barrier for other countries attempting to replicate this capability [5][6][17]. Group 2: U.S. Military Implications - The U.S. military's reliance on rare earth materials for advanced weaponry, such as the F-35 fighter jet, is critical, with current stockpiles only sufficient for 14 months [9][10]. - The Pentagon has struggled to rebuild its rare earth supply chain, facing technological barriers that could take a decade to overcome [7][9]. - The urgency of the situation is underscored by the fact that delays in rare earth supply could halt production lines and disrupt national defense strategies [9][10]. Group 3: Japan's Dependency - Japan remains heavily reliant on China for rare earth imports, with 60% of its supply coming from China, particularly in high-tech sectors [12]. - Despite efforts since 2010 to diversify its rare earth sources, Japan's initiatives have not yielded significant results, leaving it vulnerable to supply disruptions [10][12]. - Potential economic losses for Japan due to a three-month restriction on rare earth exports from China could exceed 650 billion yen, escalating to 2.5 trillion yen if prolonged for a year [12]. Group 4: Strategic Implications - China's rare earth strategy combines resource control, advanced technology, and precise regulatory measures to exert targeted pressure on nations that challenge its interests [17][18]. - The approach maintains a surgical precision, affecting only key industries of provocateurs while not disrupting the global supply chain [18]. - China's actions serve as a warning to those undermining its core interests, emphasizing its capability to defend its rights and the consequences of provocation [18].
中国稀土反制有多狠?继美后日本成下一目标,对华挑衅代价已显现