Seoul: The global competition for securing strategic minerals, crucial for advanced industries like semiconductors and electric vehicles, is gaining momentum. Recognizing the importance of these resources, the United States, Japan, and Australia have initiated the Critical Minerals and Rare Earth Supply Chain Framework, a strategic initiative aimed at reducing reliance on China and strengthening their collective resilience.

According to Yonhap News Agency, this collaborative effort underscores the understanding that rare earth elements are not just industrial commodities but strategic assets vital for national security and economic independence. The U.S., Japan, and Australia are leveraging their technological, financial, and geological strengths to form an alliance poised to influence the global industrial landscape. Korea, a major player in global tech supply chains, is urged to join this initiative to ensure it does not fall behind.

China's stronghold over critical minerals highlights the urgency of the situation. Its dominance in mining, refining, and processing grants it significant influence over global manufacturing. Historical instances of export restrictions by Beijing, such as those against Japan in 2010 and the urea water crisis affecting Korea in 2021, demonstrate the reality of resource weaponization. The addition of Hanwha Ocean's U.S. subsidiary to China's sanctions list further emphasizes the economic pressure on Korea.

Korea's reliance on Chinese minerals has intensified, with parliamentary data revealing an increase in dependence on China for key rare earths from 62 percent to 74 percent in recent years. The country's reliance on single sources for other essential materials is also concerning, with nickel from New Caledonia at 99 percent and manganese from South Africa at 98 percent. Current stockpiles are insufficient, with semiconductor-grade silicon reserves lasting only 19 days and display-use strontium just 2.7 days, far below the government's 100-day target.

To address these vulnerabilities, Korea must prioritize resource security as a national security issue. A comprehensive, long-term strategy that transcends political cycles, integrating industrial policy, resource diplomacy, and technological innovation, is imperative. Lessons from past overseas resource development failures should inform new initiatives focused on risk management, transparency, and strategic foresight.

Korea can count on strong partners to help secure its position in the evolving resource alliance. The U.S. is enhancing its domestic refining and processing capabilities, while Australia, with its abundant deposits of lithium, nickel, and rare earths, plays a pivotal role in the global supply chain. Japan, having diversified its sourcing system following past restrictions by China, stands as a model for strategic resource management. These nations, united by economic interests and democratic values, would welcome Korea's involvement as a trusted partner and technological collaborator.

By joining this alliance, Korea could diversify its import sources and bolster its technological expertise in refining, recycling, and material substitution. This partnership would facilitate joint exploration, processing, and research, areas where Korea's industrial capabilities could significantly contribute. Additionally, coordinated stockpiling, investment, and data-sharing among allies could provide a collective safeguard against future supply disruptions.

Korea's leaders must recognize that access to critical minerals is essential for survival. As the global economy transitions from fossil fuels to advanced materials, control over these supply chains will define the next industrial era. The notion of a high-tech industry without resource security is an unsustainable illusion for Korea.

Now is the opportune moment for Korea to decisively rebuild its overseas resource capacity, expand strategic reserves, and join the U.S.-Japan-Australia resource alliance as an equal and indispensable partner. The consequences of hesitation will be far more severe than the investments required for action. In this era of resource weaponization, self-reliance begins with forming strong alliances.