China tightens export rules for crucial rare earths

I really hope these stay in place for US weapons manufacturers whatever the outcome of trade negotiations. Capitalists famously will sell you the rope to hang them with, but there's no reason for socialists to do the same.

China has tightened export controls on rare earths and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing as trade negotiations continue with the US.
It processes around 90% of the world's rare earths, which go into everything from solar panels to smartphones - a key bargaining chip ahead of an expected meeting between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Donald Trump this month.
Beijing had already restricted processing technology and unauthorised overseas co-operation, but Thursday's announcement formalised the rules.
Foreign companies now need the Chinese government's approval to export products with even small amounts of rare earths and must explain their intended use.
The ministry announced similar restrictions on the export of lithium batteries and some forms of graphite, which are also essential components in the global tech supply chain and largely produced in China.
Beijing said the regulations are intended to "safeguard national security". One of the main targets of these controls appears to be overseas defence manufacturers, including those in the US, who rely on rare earths from China.

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I really hope these stay in place for US weapons manufacturers whatever the outcome of trade negotiations. Capitalists famously will sell you the rope to hang them with, but there's no reason for socialists to do the same.
China has tightened export controls on rare earths and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing as trade negotiations continue with the US.
It processes around 90% of the world's rare earths, which go into everything from solar panels to smartphones - a key bargaining chip ahead of an expected meeting between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Donald Trump this month.
Beijing had already restricted processing technology and unauthorised overseas co-operation, but Thursday's announcement formalised the rules.
Foreign companies now need the Chinese government's approval to export products with even small amounts of rare earths and must explain their intended use.
The ministry announced similar restrictions on the export of lithium batteries and some forms of graphite, which are also essential components in the global tech supply chain and largely produced in China.
Beijing said the regulations are intended to "safeguard national security". One of the main targets of these controls appears to be overseas defence manufacturers, including those in the US, who rely on rare earths from China.
- The US aside, this'll certainly also deal a huge blow to Europe's military industrial complex in the making.
  
  Yep, I can't wait to see the sun set on the West's ability to wage war.