China has banned exports of some rare minerals to the US amid heightened trade tensions after the US imposed new restrictions on exports of certain semiconductor chips and equipment to China earlier this week. .
The new directive from China's Ministry of Commerce applies to minerals, including those with potential military uses, such as gallium, germanium and antimony, the Associated Press reported.
The directive, which takes effect immediately, cites national security concerns and builds on existing restrictions China imposed on some mineral exports to the United States earlier this year. Go to Reuters coverage.
The Chinese government's move is seen primarily as a response to new export restrictions issued by the Department of Commerce on more than 100 chip-making tool makers in China. This restriction also blocks the sale of certain vessels and some software tools.
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said Monday that the new regulations are aimed at “undermining” China's “ability to domestically produce advanced technologies that pose a risk to national security.”
Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters on Tuesday The Chinese government has lodged a “serious protest” with the US over the newly announced regulations, saying the US is “maliciously suppressing China's technological progress”.
“Once again, China firmly opposes the United States' excessive expansion of the concept of national security, abuse of export controls, illegal unilateral sanctions and unjust imposition of 'long-term jurisdiction' on Chinese companies,” Lin said. “I will.”
China has significant influence in the global mineral supply chain, accounting for approximately 60% of global rare earth mineral production and 85% of mineral processing. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said earlier this year that the United States was “very concerned” about China's stranglehold on supply chains.
In August, China's Ministry of Commerce introduced export controls on antimony, which is used in a variety of products including batteries and weapons, while tightening export controls on graphite, according to the Associated Press.
The restrictions come as President-elect Trump prepares to take office next month, threatening tougher tariffs on China while continuing the Biden administration's hardline approach to Chinese chip production. or expected to strengthen.
Biden administration Conducted 3 crackdowns The plan would limit China's chip production within three years in an effort to curb Beijing's development of military equipment and artificial intelligence (AI) systems that pose a risk to U.S. national security.
The Hill has reached out to the Departments of Commerce and State for comment.
