American Think Tank: Is the Potential Cooperation between the US and Russia in the Rare Earth Sector Merely Hypothetical?
Rare earth elements (REE) are not actually rare. However, they are not as well-known as other elements and exist at low concentrations in many types of ore deposits, requiring complex metallurgical processes for separation.
In the mid-1980s, China made a strategic plan for the production and processing of rare earth elements. As rare earth elements became crucial to new technologies like electronics and magnetic motors, China became the leading producer of rare earth elements in the 1990s. Chinese leaders pointed out in 1987: "The Middle East has oil, and China has rare earth." Currently, China dominates the rare earth element production sector, controlling 90% of global processing capacity.
Although the potential cooperation between the US and Russia in the rare earth sector is merely hypothetical, given the improving relations between the two countries and the increased pressure exerted by the US on Ukraine, it seems feasible. Such an alliance might significantly weaken the influence of opponents while also putting pressure on the deepening relationship between the two parties, especially in the energy and raw materials sectors.
The global geopolitical landscape is becoming increasingly volatile. The strategic contraction of the US in Europe adds a layer of complexity to international relations, and any economic weakness on either side could be exploited by constantly changing allies.
Source: An article titled "Rare Earth Becomes a Lever of Trade War" was published on April 23 on the American think tank website "The National Interest," written by Thomas Cole.
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Original Article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1830402872442892/
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