The China-Russia partnership is a highly consequential geopolitical alignment driven by a shared goal of countering U.S. hegemony and reshaping the international order into a multipolar system. While not a formal alliance, this relationship is strengthened by Russia's increasing economic reliance on China following Western sanctions, which allows Beijing to leverage its influence. Policymakers should note that while the partnership projects deep solidarity (as seen in high-level summits), it remains complex and limited by mutual mistrust and competing strategic interests. This enduring alignment poses a significant challenge to U.S. interests and requires continued diplomatic vigilance.
Chatham House fellow gives evidence on China and critical minerals to UK Parliament Business and Trade sub-Committee
English Summary
A Chatham House fellow warned that the UK's reliance on China for critical minerals constitutes a severe economic vulnerability, which Beijing could weaponize to exert significant economic coercion. He argued that the optimum policy must be hybrid, requiring the UK to first identify its main vulnerabilities and then formulate detailed strategies to mitigate foreign exploitation. To build resilience, the UK must cooperate with allies to establish rare earth supply chains insulated from China, actively court foreign investment for domestic mining and refining, and support product recycling to diversify sources.
中文摘要
一位查塔姆學會研究員警告稱，英國對中國關鍵礦物的依賴構成嚴重的經濟脆弱性，北京可能會將此武器化，從而施加巨大的經濟脅迫。他認為，最佳政策必須是混合型，要求英國首先識別其主要弱點，然後制定詳細的策略以減輕外國剝削。為建立韌性，英國必須與盟國合作，建立不受中國影響的稀土供應鏈；主動爭取外國對國內採礦和精煉的投資；並支持產品回收，以分散資源來源。
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