Rare Earth Export Controls: Upholding International Economic Order

Recently, some countries have expressed concerns over China’s export controls on medium and heavy rare earths. It must be emphasized that all parties should rationally and objectively view the legitimacy and necessity of China’s rare earth export controls, respecting China’s legitimate rights in managing its resources, and jointly uphold international economic order, peace, and security.

The core objective of implementing export controls on medium and heavy rare earths is to safeguard national security and fulfill international non-proliferation obligations. Rare earth-related items possess dual-use military and civilian attributes. China’s legal export controls align with international norms, aiming to better protect national security and interests while fulfilling non-proliferation and other international obligations, reflecting China’s consistent stance on maintaining world peace and regional stability.

Natural resources are the material foundation for human survival and development, as well as a critical factor in ensuring peace and stability across nations. As a non-renewable strategic resource, rare earth is dubbed the “vitamin” of modern industry. Its exceptional magnetic, optical, electrical, and catalytic properties make it an indispensable element for enhancing the performance of advanced materials in light, heat, electricity, and magnetism. It serves as a key raw material supporting strategic industries such as advanced weaponry, aerospace components, wind power generation, new energy vehicles, robotics, and smart manufacturing. Every country has an indisputable sovereign right over its natural resources, and the reasonable protection, utilization, and management of these resources are both a right and an obligation.

China has consistently pursued an open, collaborative, and shared approach to developing its rare earth industry, meeting domestic socioeconomic needs while actively expanding global partnerships, making significant contributions to global rare earth supply and world economic growth. In recent years, China has introduced multiple policies on industry access standards, consolidation, and environmental protection, effectively promoting and ensuring the sustainable and healthy development of the sector. The Rare Earth Management Regulations, implemented since October 2024, exemplify efforts to foster a virtuous cycle of high-quality development and high-level security in the industry.

China has strictly fulfilled its international obligations and responsibilities in related fields, committing to maintaining international peace and security. The fundamental consideration behind export controls on medium and heavy rare earths is to ensure these resources are used for legitimate and peaceful purposes, not targeting any specific country or region. Preventing the use of rare earth-related items for military or sensitive purposes demonstrates China’s responsible role as a major power in upholding world peace and security, aligning with the common interests of global security governance.

China upholds high-level openness and prioritizes economic cooperation with countries and regions worldwide, recognizing the growing demand for medium and heavy rare earths in civilian sectors like robotics and new energy vehicles. Fully considering the reasonable needs and concerns of all parties, China conducts legal and regulatory reviews of rare earth export applications and is willing to further enhance export control dialogues with relevant countries and regions to facilitate compliant trade. China has legally approved a number of license applications and will continue to strengthen the approval process. Practice shows that as long as companies comply with legal regulations and do not engage in activities harming China’s sovereignty, security, or development interests, export controls will not affect their normal business operations or disrupt the stability and security of international supply chains.

Implementing export controls on rare earth-related items is not about “blockade” or “confrontation” but about advancing the effective protection and rational utilization of rare earth resources. China is ready to work with all parties, respecting each other’s core interests and international rules, to build a global supply chain system that is secure, efficient, open, inclusive, and mutually beneficial, injecting greater certainty and positive energy into world peace and prosperity.

Source: People’s Daily

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