China Announces a Ban on Rare Minerals to the U.S.
New York TimesDec 01
China Bans Dual-Use Mineral Exports to US
Above: The national flags of the US and China flutter at the Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai, China, on April 25, 2024. Image copyright: Wang Gang/Contributor/Visual China Group via Getty Images
The Facts
China announced on Tuesday an immediate ban on gallium, germanium, antimony, and other "superhard" mineral exports that may be used for military purposes to the US.
In a statement, Beijing claimed export controls on these materials had been implemented to "safeguard national security and interests and fulfill international obligations such as non-proliferation."
The Spin
Pro-China narrative
The actions of the United States represent a malicious attempt to suppress China's technological progress, disrupt global supply chains, and undermine market principles. As Washington politicizes and weaponizes economic trade and technological issues, export restrictions are necessary to protect the PRC's national security interests.
Anti-China narrative
Washington's export controls were introduced to prevent the PRC from boosting its military capabilities using advanced technology. However, Beijing's tit-for-tat response is unfair, seriously undermines international trade rules, and severely escalates tensions in supply chains. It's a trade war that has no winners.
