Chinese media defends rare earth controls, accuses U.S. of abuse of export restrictions | investingLive

Beijing has accused the United States of damaging the atmosphere for trade talks by repeatedly tightening restrictions on Chinese exports, even as China insists its own new export control measures on rare earths are lawful and transparent.

According to the Global Times, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said Beijing had notified Washington in advance of the latest export control actions through established bilateral channels. “In contrast, the U.S. has long overstretched the concept of national security, abused export controls and imposed discriminatory measures against China,” the spokesperson said, adding that these moves “severely harm China’s interests and undermine the atmosphere of bilateral economic consultations.”

The ministry said China’s new rare earth and related materials controls were aimed at improving its domestic export management system and were not an outright export ban. Companies meeting compliance standards would still be able to obtain licenses.

Responding to reports that U.S. officials were unable to reach Chinese counterparts by phone after the measures were announced, MOFCOM said both sides remain in contact under the China–U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism, and a working-level meeting took place on Monday.

Reiterating Beijing’s long-held stance on trade and tariff tensions, the ministry said: “We will fight if we must fight. Our doors are open if the U.S. wants to talk. The two countries share extensive common interests and vast cooperation potential. Cooperation benefits both, while confrontation harms both.”

—

China’s strong defence of its rare earth export controls underscores mounting tension in the global technology and supply-chain landscape. While Beijing insists licenses will continue for compliant exporters, the rhetoric highlights a harder line that could unsettle commodity and manufacturing markets.

—

Earlier:

From that linked post: The key take away here is that the two sides held talks on Monday! While tensions might be high, its not stopping some progress being made it would seem.