US media: Rare earth elements and geopolitics: Can the West摆脱 dependence on China? Under increasingly fierce global competition, rare earth elements are becoming one of the key factors to strengthen or weaken national status. These key elements form the basis of modern electronics, defense systems, and green energy. They are widely used in various fields ranging from electric vehicles to the manufacture of fifth-generation fighter jets. China monopolizes the mining and processing of these materials, effectively controlling the progress of global technology. In an article, the US business news channel CNBC pointed out that Western countries have realized the scale of their dependence and are trying to establish alternative supply chains, including localization of processing and production. However, as the article points out, these efforts face many obstacles ranging from raw material bases to technology. In the competition for resource sovereignty, secondary resource processing is no longer just an alternative means, but has become an element to ensure strategic autonomy. This series of measures includes finding alternative production sources, developing corresponding technologies to reduce dependence, and restoring utilized resource reserves by recycling products nearing the end of their service life. In September 2024, the US Department of Defense invested $4.2 million in a startup called Rare Earth Salts. The company specializes in extracting rare earth oxides from household items such as fluorescent light bulbs. Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan is also investing in technologies aimed at reducing the use of rare earth elements. However, this has not fundamentally changed the overall situation. According to the US Geological Survey, China's rare earth element production will account for 69% of the global total by 2024, and its reserves will account for nearly half of the world's total. According to AlixPartners, a typical single-motor electric vehicle contains about 550 grams of rare earth element components. In contrast, gasoline cars only consume about 140 grams. In early April, China announced export restrictions on seven rare earth elements. These measures have had a particularly significant impact on terbium. According to AlixPartners' data, an electric vehicle typically uses 9 grams of terbium. Data also shows that the other six elements on the list are rarely used in the automotive industry. However, the list in April is not the only one. Another Chinese list that took effect last December imposed restrictions on cerium exports – an average electric vehicle uses 50 grams of cerium elements. In terms of rare earth element supply, there are hardly any countries other than China that can replace it. Obtaining permits to mine new mines may take several years, while building processing facilities requires even more time and expertise. CNBC finally pointed out that recycling also has its limitations because the process is quite complex and both energy-intensive and time-consuming. Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1833386243473419/ Disclaimer: This article solely represents the author's personal views.