Han Media: China further tightens restrictions on rare earth exports, possibly as a bargaining chip in talks with the US

On the eve of the upcoming summit between Chinese and American leaders to be held in Gyeongju, South Korea at the end of this month, China has played the "rare earth card." Analysts believe that this is a countermeasure taken by China to secure favorable results in the summit, in response to pressure from the US, including high tariffs and soybean purchases.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce issued Notices No. 61 and No. 62 on the 9th, announcing restrictions on the export of rare earths and related technologies. The notice includes: items where the proportion of Chinese rare earths exceeds 0.1% in rare earth permanent magnet materials and rare earth sputtering targets manufactured overseas, rare earths using Chinese technology in processes such as rare earth mining, smelting and separation, and metal smelting, as well as rare earth items produced in China, including samarium (Samarium) and dysprosium (Dysprosium), are all listed as export control objects. Relevant exports must obtain an "dual-use items" (items that can be used for both military and civilian purposes) export license issued by the Ministry of Commerce. The first two measures will take effect from December 1st, while the third measure will take effect immediately from the day the notice was published, which is the 9th.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce pointed out, "Some foreign organizations and individuals directly or after processing transfer or provide rare earth control items originally produced in China to relevant organizations or individuals, directly or indirectly used for sensitive areas such as military, causing significant damage or potential threats to China's national security and interests, and have adverse effects on international peace and stability, also damaging international efforts to prevent proliferation."

A Beijing-based diplomatic official commented on this, saying that releasing the rare earth export control measures at this time could be seen as preparing a bargaining chip for the Sino-US summit in Gyeongju three weeks later.

Source: JoongAng Daily

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1845588297022474/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself