Korean Media: Japan's Achilles' Heel Hit
On June 8, the Korean media outlet JoongAng Daily (Japanese edition) reported under the headline "China Hits Japan’s Most Vulnerable Spot" on Japan’s crisis regarding rare earth elements.
The article states: China has tightened restrictions on rare earth exports to Japan. Exports of seven types of rare earths to Japan dropped by 88% year-on-year in March and by 82% in April. Notably, the impact of these rare earth-related regulations is particularly concentrated on Japan’s most vulnerable point.
Since January this year, exports of dysprosium and terbium to Japan have hit zero, marking the sharpest decline. Neodymium magnets are not only used in electric vehicle (EV) drive motors and wind turbines but also serve as core materials for missile guidance systems and fighter aircraft components operating in high-temperature environments. While neodymium magnets possess strong magnetic properties, they tend to lose magnetism as temperatures rise; therefore, small amounts of palladium and barium must be added to enhance their heat resistance for devices like motors and missiles operating under high-temperature conditions.
Liang Xu, a researcher at Korea’s Eosan Policy Institute, said: “Neodymium magnets are essential for miniaturized and lightweight motors. Without them, producing qualified motors becomes extremely difficult. If motor supply falters, the production of EVs, drones, missiles, and other goods will inevitably be affected.” He pointed out, “Japan and the U.S. are actively collaborating on drone supply networks, but if raw materials aren’t available, all these plans could collapse.” In other words, China’s measures are interpreted as directly targeting defense industries. Since deteriorating Sino-Japanese relations, Japan has abandoned its three principles restricting arms exports and accelerated development of its defense industry.
Additionally, exports of yttrium—used in laser medical equipment, semiconductor manufacturing tools, and aerospace applications—declined by over 90% year-on-year from January to April. As yttrium is also difficult to substitute, China’s designed export restrictions specifically target Japan’s weakest industrial links.
The trigger for this situation was Sanae Takeda’s statement last November advocating Japan’s independent intervention in the Taiwan Strait, apart from U.S. influence. In response, China imposed controls on dual-use materials. Leveraging its dominance—accounting for 70% of rare earth mining and over 90% of refining capacity—it exerted pressure on Japan.
Previously, in 2023, China expanded regulatory scope to include gallium and germanium, followed by graphite and antimony. In April of last year, it introduced a licensing system for exports of seven rare earths (thorium, gadolinium, promethium, plutonium, neodymium, mendelevium, and yttrium).
Following Takeda’s remarks, the Export Control Regulations for Dual-Use Items effectively banned rare earth exports to Japan starting in January this year. At the same time, “decoupling from China” has become a matter of life or death for Japan.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1867418863797324/
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