According to the Global Times, the Financial Times recently claimed that a “person who participated in an opinion consultation by the Chinese government” stated that China is considering the possibility of restricting rare earth exports and is assessing the impact of restricting rare earth exports on the United States. What kind of impact. As soon as the news came out, it immediately caused an uproar in the international community. Russian experts said that if China stops exporting rare earths, US military companies will be hit hard.
It is reported that in January this year, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of my country publicly solicited opinions on the "Regulations on the Management of Rare Earths (Draft for Comment)," which may be the "consultation" declared by the Financial Times. It is reported that the regulation proposes that the country implement total quota management on rare earth mining, smelting and separation. Industry executives said that government officials asked them if China restricts rare earth exports in a bilateral dispute, American and European companies and military contractors will be affected. What an impact. "Financial Times" stated that due to the deterioration of relations between the two countries, China may take measures to restrict rare earth exports, and the United States and Europe will be greatly affected by then.
Why do the United States and Europe value rare earth so much? According to reports, many strategic and electronic high-tech products require rare earths. For example, the F-35 fighter jet produced by Lockheed Martin relies heavily on rare earths. Every F-35 fighter produced requires 417 kilograms of rare earth products. . In addition, rare earths can also be used to produce high-tech products such as chips. The production of smart phones, TVs, X-ray machines and other equipment cannot do without rare earths. China is the world’s largest producer and exporter of rare earths. According to the Financial Times, China controls about 80% of the global supply of rare earths. Under such circumstances, if China reduces or even stops exports of rare earths, Western countries will suffer. The loss will be incalculable.
However, although China has the "lifeblood" of the United States and Europe, it is unlikely that China will launch a "rare earth war". First, for a long time, the United States has always regarded China as a competitor and has adopted a tough attitude towards China. China will not take radical measures against the United States for no reason. China is unlikely to take the lead in launching the "rare earth war". Second, if China restricts the export of rare earths, Sino-U.S. relations may deteriorate further, and rare earths may become the source of friction between the two sides.This is something we don't want to see. Third, the purpose of Western media reporting on China's rare earths is not simple. At present, China has not made a clear attitude, whether it will restrict the export of rare earths or not. The Western media has publicized that China may restrict the export of rare earths and provoke contradictions, undoubtedly trying to exaggerate the "China threat theory." Therefore, it is unlikely that China will restrict rare earth exports.
In the face of possible "threats", the United States is also actively getting rid of its dependence on China. Recently, the United States has signed contracts with local and Australian miners to try to improve rare earth smelting capacity. It is reported that the largest rare earth producer outside of China, Leyner Australia and the US Department of Defense have signed an agreement to build a rare earth separation plant in the United States. But some insiders pointed out that it is very difficult for the United States to build an independent supply chain. How to obtain raw materials will become the primary problem they have to face. In addition, huge costs, environmental pollution caused by the mining process, and time issues will also become obstacles to the United States. At present, it is not realistic for the United States to get rid of its dependence on China.
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