稀土王牌对决！美日澳韩联手围堵中国，谁料反被中国“锁喉”

Core Viewpoint - The establishment of the "Rare Earth Alliance" by the US, Japan, Australia, and South Korea is perceived as an attempt to counter China's dominance in the rare earth market, but it has inadvertently highlighted China's control over the global supply chain [1][10]. Group 1: Supply Chain Dynamics - The US is facing a crisis in rare earth supply, particularly affecting the production of the F-35 fighter jet, which has seen a reduction in monthly output from 60 to 40 units due to a shortage of heavy rare earths [3]. - China's response to the rare earth import applications from Japanese companies, which included delays in approvals, has left Japanese firms with only a month's worth of inventory, threatening production lines [5]. - China's rare earth industry has shifted from resource exportation to creating technological barriers, with significant advancements in refining costs and a focus on high-value products [7]. Group 2: Historical Context and Lessons - Japan's previous attempts to reduce reliance on China for rare earths have proven unsuccessful, as seen in its 13-year effort post the Diaoyu Islands dispute, which ultimately resulted in wasted time and continued dependency [5]. - The historical context of Japan's agreements with India for rare earth imports illustrates the challenges of diversifying supply sources, as India later prioritized its own supply needs over Japan's agreements [5]. Group 3: China's Strategic Position - China controls 85% of the global rare earth permanent magnet production capacity and plans to implement export restrictions on certain rare earth elements starting in 2024, requiring foreign companies to process a portion of their materials in China [7]. - The Chinese government emphasizes that export controls on rare earths are in line with international practices and are necessary for national security, reflecting a strategic approach to maintaining its market position [8]. Group 4: Global Market Implications - The article argues that any attempts to disrupt market dynamics through political alliances will ultimately fail, as innovation and market forces will prevail [10]. - China's sustained leadership in the rare earth sector is attributed to decades of industrial accumulation and technological innovation, contrasting with the US's reliance on political maneuvering [10].