Core Viewpoint - The meeting between US President Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Kishi Sanae highlights the strategic cooperation between the US, Japan, and Australia in the rare earth sector, aiming to reduce dependence on China, but the initiative faces significant challenges and contradictions [1][8]. Group 1: Strategic Cooperation - The US and Japan signed a memorandum of understanding to accelerate the production of high-performance magnets, marking a new phase in US-Japan rare earth cooperation [1]. - Australia is included as a mineral resource supplier in this "rare earth alliance," aiming to reduce reliance on China [1][3]. Group 2: Challenges and Limitations - The US and Australia face significant shortcomings in the refining of heavy rare earths, which are crucial for advanced military and electric vehicle technologies [3]. - Japan's reliance on China for heavy rare earth production remains a critical issue, with 92% of high-purity heavy rare earth refining capacity concentrated in China [5][6]. Group 3: China's Dominance - China controls the entire rare earth supply chain, from mining to refining and magnet manufacturing, allowing it to dominate the global market with lower costs and higher purity [5]. - China's technological barriers, such as the "cascade extraction theory," significantly lower separation costs and achieve high purity levels, making it difficult for the US and Japan to catch up [5][8]. Group 4: Political Implications - The cooperation between the US, Japan, and Australia is seen as a political maneuver rather than a practical solution to the challenges posed by China's dominance in the rare earth market [8]. - The notion of "decoupling" from China in the rare earth sector is viewed as a risky gamble that may not yield the desired results in the short term [8].

Core Viewpoint - The European Union (EU) has shifted from a strong stance on reducing dependence on Chinese rare earths to expressing concerns over slow exports from China, highlighting the critical role of rare earths in various industries, particularly the automotive sector [1][3][9]. Group 1: EU's Strategic Shift - In March, the EU Commission announced a plan to enhance production capabilities for 14 out of 17 critical raw materials to reduce reliance on China [1]. - Within two months, the EU began to complain about the slow pace of rare earth exports from China, abandoning previous rhetoric about "de-risking" and "reducing dependence" [3]. Group 2: Impact on Industries - European manufacturers are facing potential shutdowns due to rare earth shortages, with some reporting that they may run out of inventory in four to six weeks [5]. - The price of rare earths has surged by 40% to 50% compared to a few months ago, significantly impacting production costs [5]. - The automotive industry is particularly at risk, with experts warning that the shortage could threaten the adoption of electric vehicles in Europe [5][9]. Group 3: China's Dominance in Rare Earths - China controls 87% of global rare earth processing capacity and 91% of refining capacity, making Western manufacturers heavily reliant on Chinese supplies [7][9]. - The recent export restrictions from China are seen as a direct response to escalating trade tensions with the U.S., further complicating the supply situation for European industries [9]. Group 4: EU's Efforts and Challenges - The EU has initiated efforts to reduce dependence on Chinese rare earths by exploring domestic sources and collaborating with countries like Australia [13]. - However, establishing new supply chains is costly and time-consuming, with experts estimating it could take over a decade to develop sufficient alternatives [13].