Chinese authorities have detained two Chinese nationals, one of whom was employed by Nippon Kinzoku, a Japanese metal trading company. The other detainee worked for a Chinese state-owned enterprise. Both companies are engaged in the rare metal businesses. {1}
The arrests may have been motivated by suspicion that the detained individuals have leaked technical information related to rare earth metals. Beijing regards such metals as a strategic resource and is tightening its control over export of the metals as well as associated technical knowledge. {2} Such metals are crucial for powering electric vehicles.
These recent detentions may result in increased pressure on the companies in question.
Sources:
{1} Kyodo News, October 23, 2023
https://china.kyodonews.net/news/2023/10/2d08f984450d.html
{2} Chinascope, October 24, 2023
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