Australian Media Applauds Taiwan's Push for Non-Red Supply Chain Amid Concerns Over Chinese Control of Rare Earths

(Central News Agency, Sydney, 19th, by reporter Chu Te-chen) 'The Australian' newspaper published a column today pointing out that just as the Australian Treasury ordered Chinese-linked shareholders to sell their stakes in Australian rare earths developer 'Northern Minerals,' a delegation from Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs is visiting Australia. The article suggests this is an excellent opportunity for Taiwan to promote a 'non-red supply chain' to Australia and the international community. Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers on the 18th ordered six 'Northern Minerals' shareholders to sell their shares, citing the protection of national interests. 'Northern Minerals' is currently developing a heavy rare earths production project at Browns Range in Western Australia. As heavy rare earths are essential materials for the semiconductor and defense industries, many Western countries are striving to prevent the heavy rare earths industry from falling under Chinese control. The Australian's 'Margin Call' column today stated that the Taiwanese Ministry of Economic Affairs delegation is currently visiting Australia, with the itinerary mainly focused on inspecting the current state of Australia's critical minerals and rare earths industry. The industry expects that Taiwan may invest in related Australian industries. The article mentioned that the delegation's itinerary includes stops in Sydney, Canberra, and Perth, including a meeting with Australian officials in Canberra on the 18th, which allowed the Taiwanese delegation to deepen its understanding of Australia's relevant regulations, policies, incentives, and subsidies. The article also pointed out that the Taiwanese delegation will attend the 'Critical Minerals Australia Conference and Exhibition' in Perth. The conference is supported by the Australian federal government, and the Taiwanese delegation will have the opportunity to talk with industry giants such as Amanda Lacaze, CEO of Australia's Lynas Rare Earths. The article notes that these opportunities the Taiwanese delegation is striving for are part of the efforts by Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te's government to cultivate a 'non-red supply chain' for critical components. (Editor: Chen Hui-ping)