Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the United States' attempt to counter China's dominance in critical minerals through international cooperation and trade measures, highlighting skepticism about the effectiveness of this strategy [1][3]. Group 1: U.S. Strategy and International Cooperation - The U.S. has recognized its inability to independently challenge China's position in the critical minerals sector and is now seeking to form alliances with other countries to establish pricing power [1][3]. - A recent meeting led by U.S. Vice President Vance included representatives from 54 countries and the EU, aiming to set price floors and impose "adjustment tariffs" to maintain Western control over critical mineral pricing [1][3]. Group 2: Criticism of U.S. Approach - Critics argue that the U.S.-led alliance lacks credibility and is primarily designed to benefit American companies, with many non-critical minerals included in the funding list [3][4]. - The article points out that the U.S. lacks significant rare earth deposits, which undermines its ability to lead a successful international coalition against China [3][4]. Group 3: Long-term Challenges - Competing with China in the critical minerals market requires building extraction and refining capabilities, as well as providing long-term price guarantees to non-Chinese producers, which are long-term projects that could take at least a decade [3][4]. - The article emphasizes that trust in the U.S. government and its political system is essential for other countries to commit to this alliance, which is currently in doubt [3][4].

特朗普的赢学叙事再次增添了浓重的一笔。美国国务院近日宣布，在华盛顿举行的首届关键矿产部长级 会议上，美国与11个国家签署了关键矿产协议或相互谅解备忘录。与此前已经签署类似协议的10个国家 合计，至此共21国在这一领域与美国达成了合作意向。美方透露，另外17个国家已经完成了相关的谈 判，尽管谈判已结束，但并不意味着这些国家会和美国达成合作。这样一来，出席会议的55个国家中， 有34个国家并未与美方签署任何协议。而美国依然在按照自己的逻辑自夸大赢特赢。有趣的是，美国、 欧盟和日本在会议期间宣布了建立战略伙伴关系的计划，意在增强关键矿产供应链的韧性，承诺将在30 天内就关键矿产达成谅解备忘录。此外，美国还利用这次会议正式启动了所谓的资源地缘战略合作论坛 （FORGE），并由韩国担任轮值主席，直到6月为止。 更让人注目的是，美国不仅仅是通过这些会议进行表面上的操作。美方显然有更深远的打算，譬如激活 2022年成立的矿产安全伙伴关系（MSP）。美国副总统万斯在会议上提议，希望在盟国之间建立关键矿 产优惠贸易区，借此通过调整关税来避免关键矿产遭遇低价倾销。特朗普政府的初衷显然是减少美国对 中国在矿产供应上的依赖，尤其是在 ...