China is tightening its export controls, requiring increasingly detailed scrutiny of the end-use for a growing list of raw materials. Nevertheless, a recent Reuters report suggests that Chinese materials continue to leave the country without proper authorization — often rerouted through third countries to bypass restrictions.
Back in May, China announced a crackdown on the illegal outflow of strategic resources and the circumvention of export controls (as previously reported). On Thursday, the Ministry of Commerce reaffirmed this position. A spokesperson emphasized that such export controls, especially for dual-use goods — those with both civilian and military applications — are in line with common international practice. Legitimate civilian demand would still be taken into account, the state-affiliated Global Times quoted the spokesperson as saying.
The ministry also reiterated that the measures introduced in April, which include certain rare earth elements, do not constitute a full export ban.
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