Ahead of more US technology and trade restrictions, China targets vital metal exports.
Beijing will expand export controls on critical minerals like tungsten, graphite, and magnesium needed to make electronics, a move analysts say is in anticipation of expected sweeping US tariffs on Chinese goods and increased curbs on advanced semiconductor chips and AI technology to China following the re-election of US President Donald Trump.
The restrictions also apply to specific technologies that can be used for both civilian and military purposes.
China controls more than 80% of the world’s supply of tungsten and about 90% of global magnesium production, according to one official estimate; the minerals are indispensable in building defense technology, weapons, aviation equipment, and spacecraft.
Washington has pushed to delink the supply chain from China ...