China’s Major Policy Shift: U.S. Gains Easier Access to Critical Minerals
Rokna Political Desk: Following the recent meeting between the presidents of the United States and China, Beijing has announced the suspension of export controls on five sensitive minerals—including those used in the production of semiconductors and batteries—for a one-year period.
According to Rokna, citing The New York Times, based on a statement issued by China’s Ministry of Commerce, the suspended materials include key components used in semiconductors, explosives, anti-armour munitions, batteries, and nuclear reactors. The ministry’s announcement highlighted differences between the statements released by Beijing and Washington after the October 30 summit in South Korea.
After the meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, China agreed to suspend for one year a set of export control rules that had previously restricted the export of rare earth elements and equipment used in producing lithium-ion batteries, semiconductors, and solar panels. The Ministry of Commerce officially enacted this suspension on Friday.
Analysts note that these changes will make it easier for U.S. companies to obtain critical minerals. However, the Chinese statement made no reference to the separate restrictions imposed in December of last year on another five sensitive materials that are not classified as rare earth elements.
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