Group 1 - The sudden news of rare earth supply cuts led to a significant collapse in Japan's military sector, with a loss of over 1 trillion yen in just two minutes, highlighting the severe impact on Japan's high-end manufacturing industry [1] - Japan's reliance on China for critical industrial raw materials, such as neodymium and dysprosium, has been exposed, as the country lacks domestic production capabilities for these essential elements [1][3] - The Japanese government faces a daunting challenge in rebuilding its rare earth supply chain, with environmental regulations potentially delaying new projects until 2035, and the cost of reducing dependence on China estimated in trillions of yen [3] Group 2 - South Korea has successfully secured long-term contracts for battery-grade lithium hydroxide, demonstrating a more pragmatic approach to international relations and supply chain management compared to Japan [3][4] - Japan's stock market response indicates a significant capital outflow, with foreign investments in Seoul reaching record levels, while the yen continues to weaken against the dollar [4] - The U.S. has not provided the expected support for Japan's rare earth strategy, leading to concerns about the reliability of the U.S.-Japan alliance in times of crisis [4][6] Group 3 - The current situation serves as a lesson for middle powers about the importance of controlling upstream resources in global supply chains, as those who manage these resources hold significant leverage [6] - Japan's historical reliance on external sources for critical materials has led to a precarious position, with the country now facing a choice between silence on regional issues or enduring a military supply crisis [6]
中国稀土断供后,日本回应来了,李在明郑重承诺,高市众叛亲离