12小时反转：54国围堵难撼中国稀土根基

Group 1 - The U.S. convened a secret meeting with 54 countries to address the stability of the mineral market, primarily targeting China's dominance in the rare earth industry [1][3] - The meeting's stated goal was to set price floors and adjust tariffs on critical minerals, but the underlying aim was to curb China's influence [3][4] - The U.S. relies heavily on China for rare earth supplies, with over 70% of its rare earth compounds and metals imported from China, highlighting a significant dependency [3][4] Group 2 - The U.S. is attempting to create a "critical mineral trade club" to support financing and ensure emergency supply, aiming to establish a trade circle that excludes China [3][5] - The U.S. strategy of combining diplomatic engagement with economic pressure reveals a dual approach that is fraught with contradictions [5][6] - The internal dynamics of the 54-nation coalition are complex, with differing interests making it difficult to form a cohesive strategy against China [6][7] Group 3 - China's rare earth industry holds a "non-symmetrical advantage" due to decades of technological accumulation and a complete industrial ecosystem [8][9] - China controls over 90% of global rare earth processing capacity and has a significant share of the world's rare earth patents, reinforcing its market dominance [8][9] - The U.S. faces substantial barriers in rebuilding its rare earth supply chain, including a projected timeline of at least 10 years and an estimated investment of $300 billion [4][9] Group 4 - The U.S. strategy to reduce reliance on Chinese rare earths is complicated by the fact that many allied countries still depend on China for their supply needs [6][10] - The cost of rare earth extraction in the U.S. is significantly higher than in China, making it challenging to compete even with government subsidies [7][10] - China's export control policies are evolving to include not just rare earth products but also related technologies, enhancing its control over the supply chain [9][10] Group 5 - The ongoing competition in the rare earth sector is indicative of a broader struggle for global supply chain dominance, with the U.S. efforts marking an escalation in this rivalry [11][12] - Historical trends suggest that attempts to isolate a major player like China in the global market are likely to fail, as the industry moves towards a more balanced and resilient structure [11][12] - China's proactive approach in global rare earth governance and its commitment to sustainable practices position it favorably in the evolving market landscape [12][13]