China has called on the United States to abandon confrontational trade tactics after Washington threatened new tariffs targeting Beijing's management of rare earth minerals and related technologies. The Chinese Foreign Ministry emphasized Monday that such measures undermine bilateral relations and global economic stability.
"Threats and sanctions are not the right way for major countries to engage," stated spokesperson Lin Jian during a press briefing. "The U.S. should immediately correct its wrong practices and return to the principles of equality and mutual benefit."
The remarks come as rare earth elements – crucial for electronics, renewable energy systems, and defense technologies – become a new flashpoint in U.S.-China economic relations. Analysts note that China currently accounts for nearly 90% of global rare earth processing capacity.
Lin outlined China's three-point position: opposing unilateral sanctions, demanding respect for development rights, and advocating dialogue-based conflict resolution. "Healthy competition requires rules, not coercion," he added, warning of "resolute countermeasures" if U.S. restrictions continue.
The development carries significant implications for global supply chains, particularly in green technology sectors where rare earth minerals are essential. Business leaders and policymakers worldwide are monitoring how this strategic resource dispute might impact international trade frameworks.
