荷兰海燕战略研究中心-关键原材料标准：中国，欧盟和荷兰的战略标准制定（英文）-2020.12-120页_1mb

Summary: Standards for Critical Raw Materials – Strategic Standard Setting in China, the EU and the Netherlands

Core Content

This report explores the strategic implications of standard-setting in the context of critical raw materials (CRMs) for the Netherlands and the European Union (EU), with a particular focus on China's growing influence in this domain. It outlines how standard-setting has evolved from a purely technical process to a key geopolitical and economic tool, shaping the global supply chains and technological development. The report emphasizes the need for the Netherlands and the EU to develop coordinated strategies to mitigate risks associated with Chinese standardization activities.

Main Views

• Standard Setting as a Strategic Tool:
  Technical standards are not only about product interoperability but also serve as a means to secure economic and technological dominance. They can lead to "lock-in" effects, where reliance on specific standards can create long-term dependencies.

• China's Ambitions and Influence:
  China has positioned standard-setting as a central component of its long-term strategy, particularly through initiatives like China Standards 2035 and Main Points of Standardization Work 2020. These strategies aim to enhance China's geopolitical influence and secure its dominance in key industries, especially through its control over natural resources and related technologies.

• EU and Netherlands Priorities:
  The EU and Netherlands aim to maintain economic competitiveness and achieve climate neutrality by 2050. Their focus is on sustainable development and digital transformation, which requires access to CRMs. However, due to heavy reliance on imports, they are vulnerable to shifts in global standard-setting dynamics.

• Geopolitical Competition:
  The EU and China have competing yet similar goals, which has intensified global tensions over CRM supply. China's quasi-monopoly in CRM extraction and technology development allows it to influence international standards, potentially undermining the EU's interests.

Key Information

1. China's Standardization Strategy

• China has adopted a long-term strategy to dominate global standard-setting, particularly in the CRM sector.
• The Standards 2035 and Main Points 2020 documents highlight the importance of standardization for economic and technological advancement.
• Chinese entities, including state agencies and corporations, are actively involved in international standard-setting organizations such as ISO, IEC, and ITU.
• China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is used to promote its domestic standards abroad, increasing its geopolitical leverage.

2. EU and Netherlands' Approach

• The EU has a strong presence in international standardization bodies, with many member states represented in ISO, IEC, and ITU.
• The Netherlands has significant climate and digital ambitions, making it particularly vulnerable to the adoption of Chinese standards in key sectors.
• The report recommends that the Netherlands should institutionalize standardization as a strategic instrument and develop a national strategy to align with EU goals.

3. Risks from Chinese Standard Setting

• China's control over CRM supply chains and technologies enables it to shape international standards in its favor.
• This could lead to the adoption of Chinese standards in EU and Dutch industries, potentially compromising national security and economic interests.
• The report identifies scenarios where Chinese standards may be harmful, particularly in areas where they are not aligned with European values or interests.

4. Recommendations for the Netherlands and EU

• Institutionalize Standardization: Develop a Dutch national standardization strategy to align with EU objectives and enhance strategic control.
• Enhance NEN Partnership: Strengthen collaboration with the Netherlands Normalization Institute (NEN) to ensure alignment of goals and ambitions.
• Strengthen International Representation: Increase the Netherlands' presence in international standardization organizations to counterbalance Chinese influence.
• Promote Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage collaboration between the government and private sector to influence both domestic and international standards.
• Collaborate with CEN-CENELEC: Support the EU's standardization bodies to ensure that European values and norms are reflected in industrial and technological projects.
• Leverage Regulatory Power: The EU should promote strict domestic standards that align with its technological and environmental goals.
• Focus on BRI and Regional Influence: Monitor the adoption of Chinese standards in BRI projects and ensure that EU and Dutch standards are not overshadowed.

Conclusion

The report concludes that while China's influence in international standard-setting is significant, it is not yet dominant. The EU and the Netherlands must take proactive steps to protect their interests by strengthening their own standard-setting capabilities, fostering collaboration, and ensuring alignment with European values and strategic goals. The strategic role of standards in securing access to CRMs and shaping future technologies cannot be overstated, and the Netherlands has a crucial role to play in this geopolitical landscape.