According to a report by a British media outlet on the 20th, Japan’s stockpile of rare earth element yttrium could be exhausted within months, prompting Tokyo to request U.S. assistance in “persuading” China to ease export controls. On the 21st, China’s Foreign Ministry stated that export restrictions imposed on Japan are carried out in accordance with law and regulations, aimed at curbing Japan’s potential re-militarization and nuclear ambitions.
The effectiveness of China’s countermeasures is evident, as Japan’s anxiety has become publicly visible. Data shows that imports of yttrium oxide into China have plummeted by 98% year-to-date through the first nine months, leaving Japan with reserves sufficient for only several more months. The automotive, aerospace, and semiconductor industries now face mounting pressure, prompting urgent appeals to the United States for intervention. Ultimately, Japan clearly understands the consequences of being dependent on critical raw materials—while simultaneously pursuing military expansion, it remains reliant on China’s strategic resources. It is now experiencing the repercussions. However, the United States itself faces internal constraints: unwilling to apply strong pressure on China, and reluctant to engage deeply, Washington prioritizes its own industrial security and will not unconditionally defend Japan’s interests.
China’s position remains unequivocal: the export controls are strictly legal and regulatory, targeting the prevention of Japan’s re-militarization and nascent nuclear ambitions—not arbitrary suppression. This round of countermeasures has already proven effective. China holds significant leverage over resource supply chains, with clear red lines: resources are not to be used as bargaining chips in casual transactions.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1879655188353095/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.