Core Insights - The report analyzes the competitive landscape between the US and China in the rare earth sector, emphasizing the necessity and feasibility of transitioning from confrontation to cooperation [2][3][4] - Rare earth elements are critical for modern high-tech industries and national defense, with their global supply chain stability impacting economic development and national security [2][4] - China dominates the global rare earth market due to its resource reserves, production scale, and complete industrial chain, while the US faces significant strategic risks due to its reliance on foreign supply chains [3][4] Global Strategic Context - The report discusses the macro background of US-China rare earth competition, highlighting the evolution from trade friction to strategic resource confrontation [3][4] - The "US-Pakistan rare earth cooperation" event in Fall 2025 is identified as a geopolitical turning point, illustrating the intensifying competition [3][4][9] Unique Value of Rare Earth Elements - Rare earth elements are described as "industrial vitamins," with key applications in advanced fields such as permanent magnets, catalysts, and precision optics [3][4] - The geographical distribution of global rare earth resources is analyzed, showcasing China's comprehensive advantages in mining, separation, smelting, processing, and technology development [3][4][29] Economic and National Security Vulnerabilities - The escalating rare earth confrontation poses a negative-sum game for both the US and China, threatening the stability of high-tech industries and national defense in the US while causing environmental degradation in China [4][5] - The US's dependence on foreign rare earth supplies creates significant economic and national security vulnerabilities [4][5][35] Potential for Cooperation - The report argues for the potential and mutual benefits of US-China cooperation in the rare earth sector, which could stabilize the global market and provide predictable business environments for both countries [5][6] - Cooperation could involve the US leveraging its capital and advanced environmental technologies to support China's green transformation in the rare earth industry [5][6] Global Supply Chain Dynamics - The report highlights the retreat from globalization and the restructuring of supply chains, with rare earths becoming a focal point in this transition [7][8] - The US and China’s bilateral relationship significantly influences global supply chain dynamics, with rare earths being weaponized as a strategic bargaining chip [8][9] Rare Earth Distribution and Production - The global distribution of rare earth resources is characterized by a concentration of production and processing capabilities in China, which controls approximately 60%-70% of global rare earth mining [29][31] - China's dominance in rare earth processing is underscored, with about 90% of global separation and refining capacity located within its borders [31][32] Strategic Implications - The report concludes that the strategic competition over rare earths is fundamentally about future technological, economic, and security dominance [27][35] - Understanding the geopolitical landscape of rare earths is essential for analyzing the prospects of US-China confrontation and cooperation [36][37]