Core Viewpoint - The United States is establishing a new alliance focused on reshaping the global supply chain for critical minerals, particularly rare earth resources, to reduce dependence on China [1][3]. Group 1: Alliance Formation - The new mineral alliance includes the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, and the European Union, with a meeting planned in Washington to discuss de-China-fication of the rare earth supply chain [1][3]. - Australia is identified as a core member due to its significant role as a major lithium exporter, committing to invest $1 billion with the U.S. for exploration and processing of critical minerals [3]. - Japan and South Korea are positioned as technology processors and consumers, with Japanese companies importing rare earth elements from Australia for local electric vehicle and electronics industries [3]. Group 2: Member Roles and Interests - The alliance exhibits a division of roles among member countries, but underlying tensions exist regarding the alignment of U.S. pricing strategies and the interests of resource-supplying countries like Australia [4][5]. - Australia is focused on increasing its profits through higher mineral prices and expanded exports, which has led to market fluctuations when U.S. policies do not align with its interests [4]. - The EU is caught between the desire to counter China's dominance and the risk of over-reliance on the U.S., particularly in light of territorial concerns related to Greenland [5]. Group 3: Challenges and Competitive Landscape - The cooperation model within the alliance lacks consistency due to varying national interests, making it difficult to form a strong collective action in the short term [5]. - China's dominance in the rare earth sector is attributed not only to resource availability but also to its complete industrial chain, which poses a significant technological gap for the U.S. and its allies to overcome [7].
美又拉30国建新群,想抽掉中国稀土王牌,欧洲抢先献上投名状