Group 1 - Rare earth elements, despite their name, are not extremely rare in nature but are essential for various high-tech applications, including smartphones, electric vehicles, and military systems [1][3] - In the military sector, rare earths provide critical capabilities, such as stability in missile guidance systems and radar absorption in stealth aircraft [3] - China holds a dominant position in the rare earth market, controlling approximately 70% of global extraction and 90% of refining capacity, making it a key player in the global supply chain [3][5] Group 2 - The U.S.-China trade war highlighted China's leverage over rare earth exports, leading to significant impacts on U.S. industries reliant on these materials [5][7] - Japan's historical dependence on Chinese rare earths, exceeding 90%, has prompted efforts to diversify supply sources and reduce reliance on China [7][9] - Recent developments in Japan include the announcement of a new electric motor magnet that does not rely on rare earth elements, potentially reducing dependence on Chinese supplies [9][11] Group 3 - Japan and the EU are collaborating to secure rare earth supply chains, with plans to invest in mining operations outside of China [11][18] - However, challenges remain, including higher extraction costs and the need for significant investment and time to establish alternative supply chains [16][18] - China's comprehensive control over the entire rare earth industry chain, from mining to processing, presents a significant barrier for Japan and the EU in their attempts to reduce reliance on Chinese rare earths [18]