Foreign media: To challenge China's dominant position in the rare earth minerals sector, U.S. experts suggest using artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing technologies to create synthetic substitutes or alloys.
The CEO of U.S. AI and quantum technology company SandboxAQ said these technologies have the potential to shorten the time required to obtain key materials to just a few years, bypassing the 10 to 20 years needed for traditional mining operations, and reducing geopolitical risks associated with concentrated supply chains.
However, some analysts believe that China's deep-seated advantages in this field are difficult to shake. They point out that the transition from laboratory breakthroughs to large-scale industrial production is a huge challenge, which is a competitive advantage brought about by China's decades of technical expertise in rare earth chemistry and processing.
China controls most of the world's rare earth minerals and nearly 90% of the processing and refining capacity. Western countries face difficulties when trying to establish independent supply chains. China has firmly controlled the "dirty" part of the industry by taking on environmental and health risks that Western countries avoid. While technological advances are important, technology alone cannot change China's structural advantages.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1857204395525699/
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