ZGXT(SZ:000831) Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-12-16 11:44Core Viewpoint - The signing of the rare earth supply chain agreement by the U.S. and its allies is primarily a strategic move to challenge China's dominance in the rare earth sector, rather than a simple resource cooperation initiative [1][3][8]. Group 1: Political Intentions - The agreement is seen as a U.S.-led action aimed at weakening China's advantages in resources, technology, and supply chains [3][8]. - The U.S. is anxious about China's overwhelming control over the global rare earth industry, with 91% of rare earth refining and separation capacity concentrated in China [3][10]. - The U.S. aims to establish a supply chain that bypasses China, laying the groundwork for future competition in AI [8][10]. Group 2: Implications for AI and Technology - The U.S. government links the rare earth supply chain to the AI industry, indicating that control over rare earth resources is crucial for competing in AI [10][13]. - The U.S. recognizes that without a stable supply of rare earths, advancements in AI technology cannot be realized [13][15]. - The agreement is expected to benefit U.S. mining, military, and tech sectors, ensuring a stable supply chain for high-tech industries over the next decade [17][20]. Group 3: Global Supply Chain Dynamics - The agreement signifies a shift in global technology dynamics, where control over core resources will be as important as technological advancement [20][21]. - The U.S. is attempting to create a closed-loop supply chain with like-minded allies, injecting political factors into the industry chain [22][26]. - China's response emphasizes the importance of market principles and cooperation, highlighting its critical role in stabilizing the global rare earth supply chain [23][25]. Group 4: Future Competition - The competition between the U.S. and China in key minerals and AI is expected to continue, with China's rare earth advantages stemming from years of industrial accumulation [26][28]. - The outcome of this geopolitical struggle will depend on the strength and completeness of each country's supply chain rather than the size of their political alliances [28].