While I don't agree with the Chinese don't trust SRSR statement, I don't think we can make it out to be nearly as rosey as you do, making it seem like there are were no concerns preventing the JV from closing in October.
They had ample opportunity to close the JV prior to the extension and have had an additional several weeks since to do so but have not? So they have NOT signed a JV and instead are choosing to perform further due diligence/study. That to me says they were NOT ready to commit without this information and may or may not once its complete.
Eventually as your have pointed out someone will commit because the factors driving Niobium require it. Hopefully it is this group and hopefully it is soon.
I mean, it's a pretty big error to suggest "China doesn't trust SRSR and are checking up on their claims about the rocks" instead of suggesting "China trusts SRSR, knows what's in the rocks, and are cooperating in advancing the project to the next stage" ?