Group 1 - Rare earth elements are a strategic resource that can significantly constrain the U.S. military supply chain [3] - Samarium, a rare metal, plays a crucial role in military applications, particularly in missile and aircraft technology [4][5] - China currently holds a near-monopoly on samarium supply, with major U.S. defense contractor Lockheed Martin being the largest importer [6] Group 2 - China has recently suspended exports of seven types of rare earths, including dysprosium and terbium, which are essential for automotive production [8] - China accounts for over 90% of the global supply of dysprosium and terbium, putting many automotive manufacturers in Europe and the U.S. at risk of production halts [8] - The recent trade tensions and restrictions imposed by Western countries have led China to leverage its rare earth resources as a countermeasure [10][11] Group 3 - Despite holding only one-third of global rare earth mines, China dominates the separation capacity, controlling over 90% of the global processing capabilities [11][12] - Other countries, including the U.S. and Japan, have attempted to develop their own rare earth processing capabilities, but their output is insufficient to meet market demands [13] - China's control over the rare earth supply chain positions it as a critical player in the global industrial landscape, creating significant leverage over other nations [13]

Core Viewpoint - The trade conflict between the U.S. and China has escalated, with China leveraging its dominance in rare earth elements to target critical U.S. military capabilities, revealing a deeper struggle for global technological supremacy [1][3][8] Group 1: Impact on U.S. Military - China's export restrictions on seven key rare earth elements directly threaten U.S. military technology development, particularly affecting the F-47 sixth-generation fighter jet and electronic warfare systems [3][6] - The U.S. currently relies on China for 90% of its rare earth supply, with domestic production only accounting for 15% of global output, highlighting a significant vulnerability in the U.S. defense supply chain [3][6] - The urgency in Washington's response, including invoking the Defense Production Act and seeking resources in Greenland and Ukraine, underscores the strategic shortfalls in U.S. military supply chains [3][6] Group 2: Global Supply Chain Dynamics - China's export controls are not limited to the U.S. but apply globally, complicating the supply chain for all nations and creating a "suspicion chain" regarding rare earth procurement [6][8] - The ambiguity in China's strategy allows it to maintain a moral high ground while inducing anxiety in U.S. supply chains, as defense contractors cannot easily identify military-grade rare earths [6][8] - The global interdependence on rare earths is illustrated by the irony that even if U.S. mines become operational, the processing still relies on Chinese technology, emphasizing the complexity of the global supply chain [8] Group 3: Future Implications - The ongoing rare earth conflict is fundamentally a battle for future industrial dominance, as advancements in military technology increasingly depend on these materials [8] - The competition is shifting from traditional military assets to control over critical materials, with the potential to redefine modern warfare [8] - The U.S. faces a daunting challenge in countering China's three-decade lead in rare earth production and processing, indicating a significant gap in industrial capabilities [8]

中国的港湾（Reuters） 含有稀土的土被运到 金融市场意识如果中国卖出美国国债是特朗普的弱点。而在安全相关人士之间，稀土资源的 动向作为预测"持续战斗力"的因素而备受关注。中国的稀土管制最迟半年左右就会对美国的武 器制造产生全面影响…… 在中美贸易战中，稀土正成为特朗普政府的弱点。中国政府出口管制的品类对于美军的最 新战斗机与核潜艇的制造至关重要。有观点认为如果禁运持续数个月，将影响到美国的武器 制造，贸易战的持续将变得困难。 F35和最先进核潜艇的制造离不开稀土 中国从4月4日启动的出口管制以稀土中稀有价值尤其高的中重稀土类为对象。包括钐、 钆、铽、镝、镥、钪、钇等7种。 这些稀土对中国的依赖程度极高，全球近99%被认为由中国加工。在被列入出口管制清单 的约15家美国企业中，除一家之外，均为国防相关企业。显然，中国寻求对美国国防产业造 成打击。 美国战略与国际研究中心的格拉塞林·巴斯卡兰指出，目前中美两国的武器生产速度仍存 在差距。据悉，中国正在迅速扩充生产体系，以比美国快5～6倍的速度制造和采购先进的武 器系统及相关装备。 从稀土等成为武器生产基础的供应链来看，美国比中国脆弱。美国国防部在2024年的 ...