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I think it just happens in this case that the pie-maximizing-in-cooperative-state behaviour == not duplicating mining efforts == China favoring. An opposite ar
by metacritic12 3y ago
I think it just happens in this case that the pie-maximizing-in-cooperative-state behaviour == not duplicating mining efforts == China favoring.
An opposite argument could be make for semiconductors. In that case, the environmental approach is to NOT make multiple fabs, keep them in Taiwan / the Netherlands, and discourage China from making new fabs. This would be against China.
Generally, the environmental position favors not duplicating effort, which favors the current incumbent.
- icegreentea2 3y agoThe editorial actually very carefully (and rightfully) isn't arguing for 'let China do all the mining' (or even avoiding duplicating mining efforts). It clearly says so "But it would be unwise for the rest of the world to rely on just one country for the processing of critical minerals" (and logically the same would be true for mining). The editorial is arguing against trading blocs. In fact, it's arguing for some form of free trade. This benefits China in both that it is currently in a dominant position in terms of market and capacity, and also favors China in that it neutralizes one area where the US generally holds advantages - better soft power, and a being generally thought more favourably than China.