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EU to Host Chinese Officials for Urgent Talks After Beijing Tightens Rare‑Earth Controls

Brussels seeks to blunt supply shocks by opening direct channels as new limits ripple through critical industries.

Overview

  • The European Commission said Chinese representatives will come to Brussels in the next few days after Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic held a two‑hour video call with Wang Wentao.
  • EU officials protested that the restrictions have already forced some companies to halt production and caused economic damage along supply chains.
  • China’s latest measures add controls on rare‑earth‑related technologies, include a prohibition on authorizing sales with military implications, and take effect on December 1.
  • Beijing already imposed an export licensing regime in April, and its roughly 90% share of global rare‑earth processing heightens the squeeze on sectors from semiconductors to aerospace and defense.
  • Brussels is preparing industrial steps such as joint purchasing and storage, expanded recycling, quicker permitting, and a coordinated response with G7 partners to lessen dependence.