Abstract: In the context of the strategic layout of major powers in the competition for resources, both China and foreign countries have strengthened their policy layout and strategic planning for critical minerals. By sorting out the major consumer countries, supplier countries, and China’s relevant policies in the field of critical minerals, summarizing the policy priorities of major consumer and supplier countries and China, and conducting a comparative study on China’s policy strategy in critical minerals, to provide actionable insights for China to formulate relevant policies and implement action plans. The policy priorities of both China and foreign countries have always revolved around three areas: building a critical minerals industrial chain, establishing a safe and stable supply chain for critical minerals, and promoting technological innovation. However, there are some differences in policy layout. First, the major consumer and supplier countries have adopted a comprehensive approach to key mineral policy, giving high attention to all links of the industrial chain, from the upstream supply to the midstream production and processing, while China pays more attention to the stability and security of the upstream supply chain. Second, these countries emphasize global resource allocation, technological innovation, and reducing resource dependence to reduce supply risks, while China focuses on ensuring the supply security of mineral resources to support rapid economic growth and industrial upgrading. In light of these findings, when improving China’s policy system for critical minerals, it is suggested that the following areas should be strengthened: deepening the full-industry-chain layout; enhancing technological innovation and industrial upgrading; strengthening international cooperation and actively participating in the formulation of international rules.

Key words: Critical Mineral Resources; Main Developed Countries; China; Policy Strategy; Comparative Studies