Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the strategic demand for the development of new materials in China, particularly in the context of the country's economic transformation and the need for sustainable growth by 2035 [2][14]. Group 1: Strategic Demand for New Materials - China is at a critical juncture requiring new economic growth points and improved environmental capacity, creating a historical opportunity for the development of new materials [2]. - The strategic demand for new materials is particularly pronounced during the transition to new industrialization [2]. Group 2: Key Areas of Application - In the transportation sector, there is a need for core components and key materials for heavy helicopters, high-speed trains, wide-body aircraft, and new energy vehicles to enhance sustainable development capabilities [3][4]. - The energy sector requires special alloys and new materials for advanced energy systems, including nuclear power and deep-sea oil and gas development [6][7]. - The information display sector is crucial for the electronic information industry, with significant demand for electronic materials to support the development of new technologies [8][9]. - The healthcare sector is experiencing rapid growth in biomedical materials, which are essential for disease diagnosis and organ repair [10][12]. Group 3: Development Goals - By 2025, the goal is to synchronize new materials technology and applications with international advanced levels, significantly improving the quality and stability of products [14]. - By 2035, China aims to be among the world's leading material powers, addressing key issues related to national security and self-sufficiency in critical materials [14]. - By 2050, the objective is to achieve global leadership in material research and development capabilities, meeting the needs of national economic construction and defense security [14]. Group 4: Development Focus and Directions - Advanced basic materials will focus on high-performance steel, non-ferrous metals, petrochemical materials, and construction materials [16][17]. - Key strategic materials will include special alloys, high-performance fibers, new energy materials, and advanced semiconductor materials [18][19]. - Frontier new materials will concentrate on 3D printing materials, superconductors, and graphene materials [20][21]. - Establishing evaluation, characterization, and standard platforms for new materials is essential for industry development [22][23].

Core Viewpoint - The recent export control measures on rare earths by China have raised concerns among U.S. politicians, who claim these actions will significantly impact various industries globally, including semiconductors and artificial intelligence, while China asserts that these measures are not targeted at specific countries and are aimed at preventing illegal use of rare earths [1][3][4]. Group 1: China's Position - China has communicated its policy objectives regarding the new export controls to relevant countries, including the U.S., to reduce misunderstandings [3]. - The export control measures are designed to prevent rare earths from being used for large-scale weapons and are not a ban on exports [3][4]. - China maintains that it has the right to decide how to sell its rare earths, given that it produces over 90% of high-performance rare earth magnets globally [3][4]. Group 2: U.S. Response and Criticism - U.S. officials have accused China of "long-arm jurisdiction," but this perspective is seen as a misinterpretation of China's legitimate trade regulations [4][5]. - The U.S. has been expanding its own security boundaries, implementing export restrictions on semiconductors and AI, which raises questions about the consistency and rationale behind its actions [5][6]. - The U.S. has faced criticism for its approach to trade negotiations, which is perceived as coercive rather than collaborative [8]. Group 3: Future Implications - The tension surrounding these export controls highlights a shift in trade negotiation dynamics, suggesting that the U.S. may not hold the upper hand in future discussions [6]. - Both China and the U.S. have agreed to engage in new rounds of economic talks, indicating a potential for dialogue despite existing tensions [7].

Core Insights - The recent US-China trade negotiations in London highlighted unexpected dynamics, with the US showing increased urgency to resolve trade issues, contrary to initial expectations that China would be more pressured [1][3] - The trade landscape has shifted, with China leveraging its control over rare earth exports as a counter to US technology restrictions, indicating a significant change in the power balance [3][5] - The US has struggled to form a coalition against China regarding tariffs, with limited support from other major trading partners, reflecting a broader discontent with protectionist policies [7] Group 1: Trade Negotiations - The first meeting of the US-China trade negotiation mechanism took place in London, focusing on deeper issues such as US export controls on AI and chips [1] - The US delegation included high-ranking officials, indicating the importance placed on these discussions [1] Group 2: Rare Earths and Technology - China holds over 90% of the rare earth refining industry, despite having about one-third of global reserves, giving it a strategic advantage in high-tech sectors [5] - Following the announcement of US tariffs, China implemented export controls on certain rare earths, directly impacting US military production capabilities [5] Group 3: International Trade Dynamics - The US has not successfully built a coalition against China for tariff actions, with only the UK showing alignment, which underscores the challenges of unilateral trade policies [7] - China's response to US tariffs has been framed as a defense of fair international trade practices, gaining some international support [7]