Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-12-23 06:53Group 1 - The core issue revolves around the EU's rapid shift from a cooperative stance towards China regarding rare earth exports to a more aggressive approach, including investigations into Chinese companies [1][5] - The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has issued longer-term export licenses for rare earths to certain European companies, temporarily alleviating pressure on the EU's manufacturing sector [3] - The EU's actions are driven by a combination of technological anxiety, a desire for control, and a need to align with U.S. policies, particularly in light of changing political dynamics in the U.S. [7][9] Group 2 - The EU's investigations into Chinese firms are seen as a form of political pressure rather than mere trade disputes, indicating a deeper strategic concern about China's technological advancements [5][7] - There is a perception among some European politicians that they must demonstrate loyalty to the U.S. by taking a hard stance against China, even as the U.S. signals a potential easing of tensions [7][9] - The Chinese government maintains that its export policies are based on global supply chain stability and international responsibilities, suggesting that any aggressive actions from the EU could lead to significant repercussions for European industries reliant on Chinese rare earths [9]