Recently, it was reported by the White House that high-level talks between China and the United States would take place this week. However, when journalists sought confirmation, a statement from China that there was no information to provide left Trump determined to resort to "emergency measures" for self-rescue, only to be doused with cold water by his own people.

Trump

According to Reuters, on June 3rd local time, Trump prepared to invoke emergency powers to exempt relevant restrictions of the U.S. Defense Production Act, aiming to increase domestic production of critical minerals and weapons in the United States.

In fact, from Trump's decision, it can be highly likely seen that the U.S. has reached a point where it must adopt extraordinary measures regarding the supply of rare earth elements and other key minerals.

Since the first round of tariff negotiations between China and the U.S., the issue of rare earth elements has become a crucial point in their economic and trade relations. Trump has been attempting to get China to lift its restrictions on rare earth exports, making numerous "small moves" towards China, such as restricting Chinese chip design software and aviation technology.

The other day, Trump also smeared China, accusing it of violating the Geneva consensus, trying to put pressure on China through public opinion. However, the White House then released hints suggesting that talks between China and the U.S. would take place this week.

Nevertheless, China's attitude remains clear: negotiations need to be based on equality and mutual respect, and China will not communicate just for the sake of communication, nor will it compromise under baseless accusations and threats from the U.S.

In fact, this is not the first time Trump has taken action. As early as March this year, he had invoked the Defense Production Act to promote the production of critical minerals domestically.

This time, invoking this "emergency measure" again shows his urgency in solving the supply problems of rare earth elements and other critical minerals. However, the U.S. shortfalls in this field cannot be remedied overnight.

Moreover, different voices have emerged within the U.S. Some American scholars pointed out that if the U.S. wants to obtain critical minerals in the next 5 to 10 years, it must maintain trade relations with China, meaning it still depends on China.

This view also reflects that the U.S.'s reliance on China in the field of critical minerals is difficult to change in the short term. Although the U.S. has been trying to find alternative channels for rare earth supplies outside of China.

Trump's reliance solely on invoking emergency powers to establish an independent rare earth supply chain in the short term is somewhat impractical.

After all, there are huge gaps between the U.S. and China in rare earth mining, processing, and other aspects. To fill these gaps, not only large amounts of capital investment are needed, but also long-term technical accumulation and talent development, which the U.S. currently finds difficult to achieve.

In fact, on the same day, June 3rd, a journalist asked whether China planned to relax export restrictions on rare earth or expedite the approval process for export permits?

To this, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian responded, suggesting specific questions should be directed to the relevant Chinese authorities.

Don't underestimate how concise this response is; it conveys an important signal, indicating that China will not change its stance due to U.S. pressure. This is clearly not the answer Trump wanted to hear. During this period, the U.S. has been suppressing and smearing China.

However, China remains unmoved, not loosening its restrictions on rare earth exports to the U.S. Trump probably realized the reality but was unwilling to make corrections. He attempted to use emergency powers to摆脱 dependence on Chinese rare earth resources.

But if the U.S. wants China to ease its restrictions on rare earth exports, it must first change its policies towards China, correcting course forward. If it continues to adopt hardline policies towards China, attempting to pressure China into supplying rare earth materials, it can only backfire.

China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian

Furthermore, for the U.S., relying solely on invoking emergency powers and seeking alternative resources is not a long-term solution to the problem of critical mineral supplies.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7511948641444037132/

Disclaimer: The article represents the author's personal views. Please express your opinions by clicking the "like/dislike" buttons below.