China announced new rare earth export restrictions on October 9, requiring foreign manufacturers to obtain Chinese export licenses if their products contain or are made with Chinese-origin rare earth materials or technologies – even if no Chinese companies are directly involved. Under the new rules, any foreign-made items that include Chinese-produced rare earths making up 0.1% or more of their value, or that use Chinese rare earth–related technologies in extraction, smelting, or recycling, must secure a dual-use export permit from China’s Ministry of Commerce.
At an October 13 press conference, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian dismissed reports claiming that the new rules were aimed at Pakistan for allegedly using Chinese technology and equipment to export rare earths to the U.S. Lin emphasized that China and Pakistan are “all-weather strategic cooperative partners” with strong mutual trust and close coordination on key issues. He noted that Pakistan had assured China its cooperation with the U.S. would not harm Chinese interests. He said that the “rare earth samples” presented to the U.S. were actually gemstone samples purchased by Pakistani staff. Lin said the related media reports were unfounded, speculative, and intended to sow discord between the two countries.
Sources:
1. Center for Security and Emerging Technology, Georgetown University, October 9, 2025
https://cset.georgetown.edu/publication/mofcom-notice-2025-61/
2. People’s Daily, October 13, 2025
https://world.people.com.cn/n1/2025/1013/c1002-40581251.html