China defends rare earth export curbs as ‘legitimate,’ hits back at U.S. tariffs ahead of possible Trump-Xi meeting
US and Chinese national flags adorn convoys in Beijing, China.
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China on Sunday defended new export controls on rare earths as a “legitimate” measure under international law, pushing back against accusations of US economic pressure after Washington announced sweeping retaliatory tariffs and export restrictions.
China’s Ministry of Commerce said the controls, issued on Oct. 9, are part of Beijing’s efforts to strengthen its export control system and “better safeguard world peace and regional stability” in what it describes as a turbulent global security environment.
The measures, which now cover not only rare earth materials but also related intellectual property and technologies, were announced just weeks ahead of a potential meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
A trade ministry spokesman said: “These checks do not constitute an export ban. Applications that meet the requirements will be approved.” “China has fully assessed the potential impact of these measures on the supply chain and is confident that the impact will be very limited.”
The ministry said it informed “relevant countries and regions” through bilateral dialogue mechanisms before announcing the measures, adding that China is open to greater cooperation on export control practices in order to “protect the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains.”
Beijing’s announcement on October 9 triggered an immediate response from Washington.
On October 10, Trump announced new 100% Tariffs on imports from China, effective November 1, “beyond any Tariffs they currently pay.” Trump also said the US would impose export controls on “all types of critical software” on the same date.
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