Group 1 - The trade war between the US and China has escalated dramatically, with tariffs increasing from 10% to 104%, causing significant disruptions in global supply chains and impacting consumer prices [3][5][19] - The US military budget has surged to $1 trillion, indicating a clear focus on countering China's influence in the Pacific region, with extensive military exercises planned [5][11][19] - The global military expenditure has reached a record $2.46 trillion, driven largely by the US's military strategies and alliances in the Asia-Pacific region [11][21] Group 2 - The US has strategically allied with countries like the Philippines and Japan to strengthen its military presence against China, emphasizing the importance of these nations in regional security [7][9][11] - China's military responses have intensified, with significant exercises demonstrating its capabilities and asserting its stance on Taiwan, indicating a shift towards a more aggressive defense posture [11][15][19] - The ongoing military and economic tensions are leading to a potential arms race in the Asia-Pacific region, with countries like Japan and South Korea increasing their defense budgets [21][24] Group 3 - The geopolitical landscape is becoming increasingly polarized, with countries either aligning with the US or attempting to maintain neutrality, reflecting a trend towards multipolarity [24][26] - Analysts suggest that the likelihood of military conflict may peak between 2025 and 2027, highlighting the critical nature of this period in US-China relations [26][28] - The outcome of this strategic competition will not only affect the two nations but also have significant implications for global stability and economic development [28]

Group 1 - China currently holds a significant position in the global critical mineral resources sector, accounting for approximately 60% of global production and over 85% of refined capacity, with a near monopoly in battery-grade graphite and permanent magnet markets (99% and 87% respectively) [1] - Historically, China had abundant rare earth reserves but lacked core technology, leading to a reliance on exporting raw materials at low prices and importing high-priced refined products, which harmed national interests and hindered technological and military development [3] - To change this passive situation, China has made systematic investments over decades, integrating supply chains and strategically acquiring resources, with significant contributions from researchers, notably the development of rare earth extraction theories and processes that have propelled China to a leading position in the rare earth sector [5] Group 2 - The trade tensions initiated by the Trump administration intensified US-China trade frictions, prompting China to strengthen its control over rare earth exports, which has drawn strong criticism from Western countries [7] - China’s strict control over rare earth resources is a necessary measure to safeguard national security and core interests, aligning with international norms, despite Western accusations of "weaponizing" rare earths [7] - In response to pressure from Western nations, China has mandated rare earth companies to report lists of personnel with specialized technical expertise to protect commercial secrets and prevent core technology leakage, indicating a strategic elevation of technology resources [9]