Upon learning that Pakistan is using Chinese equipment to produce key metals for the United States, China swiftly raised its sword—announcing strict restrictions on the export of rare earth extraction technology. This new regulation, issued by the Ministry of Commerce on October 9, is like a meticulously woven protective net, encompassing all rare earth production equipment, separation technologies, and supporting materials. From now on, any foreign company seeking access to China's rare earth extraction technology must cross the licensing threshold set by Beijing.
China's dominant position in global rare earth processing is undeniable. These seemingly unremarkable elements support the backbone of modern civilization, from everyday electronic products to cutting-edge fighter jets. The new regulation is like a precise surgical knife, adding five key rare earth elements—holmium, erbium, thulium, europium, and ytterbium—to the existing control list, along with related magnet materials. This move expands the controlled rare earth elements to 12 out of 17, and the extensive scope of the control is astonishing.
Is this merely a simple trade restriction? The Ministry of Commerce clearly stated that these measures aim to prevent key materials from being "directly or indirectly used in military and other sensitive areas," subtly revealing a firm commitment to national security. More notably, the new regulation extends its reach overseas, prohibiting Chinese citizens and companies from assisting in overseas rare earth development without approval. This strategy of returning the same method against the aggressor echoes the U.S.'s recent "long-arm jurisdiction" in a subtle way.
The curtain on this rare earth game was first lifted on September 8. On that day, Pakistan signed a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Strategic Metals Company, like a stone thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples. China holds an enviable position in key mineral resources: 60% of the global rare earth output, 70% of lithium refining capacity, nearly 70% of cobalt processing, and over 90% of battery-grade graphite production. These figures reflect decades of industrial advantages accumulated under national strategic guidance.
But the shift of the "iron friend" came as an unexpected surprise. The initial $500 million investment disclosed by the Prime Minister's Office of Pakistan, along with the first batch of rare earths sent to the U.S., are challenging the resilience of the traditional Sino-Pak friendship. This South Asian country, rich in trillions of dollars worth of rare earth reserves, has suddenly become a new focal point in great power博弈. A columnist from Shandong pointed out sharply: "U.S. defense contractors urgently need these rare earths to maintain F-35 and nuclear submarine production." However, the core issue lies in technology—China controls 92% of the global rare earth refining capability.
Since Pakistan defeated India in air combat this May, Islamabad suddenly became a "guest of honor" in Washington. It is playing both sides between China and the U.S. But this is risky. As long as it takes actions that harm China's core interests, China will inevitably take countermeasures.
How difficult is rare earth separation? It is like picking black beans from a bowl of sesame seeds; 90% of the 250 rare earth minerals exist in mixed forms. Even if the U.S. spends millions, the rare earths from Pakistan without Chinese techniques will ultimately fail to meet military standards. Pakistan may think it has found a clever way to benefit from both China and the U.S., but it ignores that the balance of geopolitics never tilts toward opportunists.
China's extraction technology is an art: solvent extraction is like a precise chemical dance, and ion exchange is akin to a precise molecular sieve. These processes require repeated adjustments and are the result of decades of technological accumulation. It is like dancing on a knife's edge for Pakistan to try to use Chinese technology to extract rare earths and resell them to the U.S. The Hong Kong-based "Asia Times" bluntly states: "China dominates more than 85% of the global neodymium-iron-boron magnet production," which drives everything from Tesla to F-35, from iPhones to precision instruments.
The introduction of the new regulations is like a warning bell. Without China's technical endorsement, Pakistan's rare earth dream will eventually come to a standstill. True friendship requires mutual respect, not calculation and exploitation. When a crisis arises, who is the reliable partner? Time will give the most fair answer. This licensing threshold is not only about the flow of technology, but also about the basic principles of international relations—once trust is broken, even the most sophisticated calculations cannot make up for it.
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7559514323412992554/
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