Overview

• Foreign firms must obtain licenses to export products that contain about 0.1% Chinese‑origin rare earths or are made using Chinese extraction, refining, magnet‑making or recycling technology.
• China extended controls extraterritorially by barring its nationals and companies from assisting overseas rare‑earth mining, processing or magnet manufacturing without approval, and by requiring licenses for foreign‑made items using Chinese know‑how.
• Five more rare‑earth elements were added to the control list, bringing the total to 12; rules covering technologies and labor take effect immediately, while material export measures begin on December 1.
• License applications tied to foreign militaries will be denied in principle, and uses linked to advanced semiconductors, memory chips and AI with potential military applications will be reviewed case by case.
• The announcement has drawn concern from the European Commission and is seen by analysts as strengthening Beijing’s leverage ahead of a possible Trump–Xi meeting at the APEC summit.