China Tightens Rare Earths Export Controls Amid Global Competition

China announced a crackdown on illegal smuggling of rare earth minerals, citing national security concerns, amid ongoing trade tensions with the US. The government accused foreign espionage and Chinese criminals of disguising and illegally exporting these critical materials used in high-tech manufacturing, as part of broader trade restrictions and negotiations between China and the US. The situation highlights the strategic importance of rare earths and the complex trade and security issues involved.