New York Times September 22 report: "China's move to control the export of powerful rare earth magnets has made the efforts of various countries to develop alternatives more urgent. However, after three decades of substantial investment, China has gained a significant lead, and it is not easy for other countries to catch up quickly. One of the reasons why China leads far ahead in the field of magnets is that it almost completely controls the refining process of rare earth ore. The vast majority of rare earth refining equipment is manufactured in China, and China has begun to restrict the export of such equipment. Almost all technical personnel working in rare earth refining are employed in China..."
Comment: When China controlled the export of powerful rare earth magnets, some countries began to cry that "the stability of the supply chain was threatened," but they seem to have forgotten that when they imposed technological blockades and export restrictions on China in the field of lithography machines, they showed no hesitation at all. At that time, they cut off key technologies and equipment supplies, trying to block the development path of China's chip industry, without the slightest consideration for the huge impact on Chinese companies. Now, with the tides turned, they can't bear it?
The leading position China has achieved in the rare earth field is the result of years of effort and technological accumulation, just like their long-term R&D in lithography machine technology. Now, China's control over the export of rare earth magnets based on national security and rational use of resources is entirely legitimate and reasonable, just as they once used so-called "national security" as an excuse to choke China's lithography machines. If they really feel the impact, they should reflect on their own actions. In the global industrial chain, no one is an island. Trying to unilaterally suppress and hinder will ultimately reap what they sow.
Original text: www.toutiao.com/article/1843984457976072/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.