美国终于发现，中国垄断的不是稀土资源，而是稀土精炼技术！

Core Viewpoint - The key strength of China in the rare earth industry lies not in the possession of raw materials but in its advanced refining processes, which are critical for high-tech applications like the F-35 fighter jet [1][3]. Group 1: Industry Overview - Rare earth elements consist of 17 chemically similar metals, and while many countries have access to these minerals, the refining process is complex and not easily replicated [3][5]. - The Mountain Pass rare earth mine in California, once a major supplier, has faced operational challenges due to environmental regulations, leading to a reliance on Chinese refining capabilities [3][5]. - In 2023, 90% of the rare earth imports to the U.S. still come from China, highlighting the dependency on Chinese refining for the U.S. high-tech industry [3][11]. Group 2: Technological Expertise - The refining of rare earths requires a sophisticated understanding of chemical processes, which cannot be easily achieved through investment alone; it demands years of experience and experimentation [7][9]. - Since the 1970s, Chinese research teams have developed unique extraction and refining techniques that are difficult for other countries to replicate, as evidenced by failed attempts by companies like Hitachi Metals to restrict Chinese exports [9][11]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - Recent regulatory changes in China have led to a tripling of rare earth prices within a week, causing significant concern in U.S. industries reliant on these materials, particularly in defense and technology sectors [11][14]. - The U.S. government has invested heavily in attempts to create a domestic rare earth supply chain, but companies like Lynas in Australia struggle with high-purity separation, further emphasizing the challenges faced [14][15]. Group 4: Strategic Implications - China's strategy over the past decade has focused on tightening export controls and enhancing its refining capabilities, resulting in a significant lead in global rare earth processing patents and production capacity [17][23]. - The ongoing competition in the rare earth sector is not merely about resource access but rather about mastering the entire industrial process, which China has successfully achieved [21][25]. - The U.S. continues to face challenges in establishing a self-sufficient rare earth supply chain, as evidenced by the ongoing reliance on Chinese refining for a significant portion of its production [19][23].