Core Viewpoint - The global competition for rare earth elements is intensifying, with China facing challenges to maintain its technological dominance in the industry [1][10]. Group 1: China's Position and Actions - In July 2025, China's Ministry of Commerce launched a special operation against rare earth smuggling, marking the beginning of a reshuffle in the global rare earth industry [1]. - China holds a significant technological monopoly in rare earth refining, with 88% of global refining technology and 94% of high-end magnetic materials [7]. - The recent special operation aims to cut off the "curved blood transfusion" route used by the U.S. to import Chinese rare earths through third countries [9]. Group 2: U.S. Strategy and Challenges - The U.S. has imposed strict sanctions on Chinese rare earths while simultaneously relying on them for its military supply chain stability [5]. - Despite having domestic mines and partnerships with Australia, the U.S. still heavily depends on Chinese technology for refining [7]. - The U.S. Department of Defense invested $1.3 billion to support domestic rare earth companies, but the yield of trial products was below 20% due to various constraints [7]. Group 3: Global Competition and Future Outlook - Other countries, such as India and Australia, are also entering the rare earth competition, with India aiming for over 50% self-sufficiency in rare earth oxides within three years [9]. - Industry experts believe that merely increasing funding will not allow these countries to catch up with China's lead in rare earth refining in the short term [9]. - The ultimate competition will focus on mastering core technologies for high-performance rare earth materials, making simple export bans insignificant [9][10].

最近有条新闻，说美国的稀土储量达到了180万吨。大家一听，感觉好像挺多的样子。毕竟，180万这个数字，看上去确实挺吓 人。 不过再大点声说，有资源不等于能用。稀土嘛，你挖出来是一回事，用得上又是另一回事。我记得小时候家里买过一块大西瓜， 结果切开里面全是白籽。你说气人不气人？ 真要搞稀土，还得动脑子研究怎么提纯、怎么加工。这活儿复杂着呢，美国人在这方面差得远了，这几年才开始重新重视起来。 反过来看咱们中国。这块领域，说咱站C位应该没啥争议吧？储量有4400万吨，占全球37%，这个就摆在那儿呢。而且技术也很扎 实，70%多的供应占比，全世界基本都盯着我们看。 可惜大多数普通人平时其实不关心这玩意儿，就觉得"跟我没关系"。但你仔细想想，手机、电动车、风力发电机……哪样离得开 稀土？前些年提5G的时候，不就跟这个挂钩吗？所以说，这东西在高科技领域真的是刚需中的刚需。 美国为什么落后这么多，其实道理也简单。他们早些年嫌麻烦，把稀土业务全外包了。包括我们中国，那时候接了不少单子，也 是靠着处理这些活儿一步步把技术和产业链给弄完善的。 不过短时间内，也别太指望他们能摆脱对我们的依赖。这几年的适应期可能不会太短，他们自己的 ...