China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) has reaffirmed its stance on recent rare earth export controls, emphasizing their role in safeguarding global security and stabilizing supply chains. The measures, announced on October 9, require licenses for certain rare earth exports but are not outright bans, according to a spokesperson.
Balancing Security and Trade
MOFCOM clarified that the controls target medium and heavy rare earths with military applications, aligning with international non-proliferation obligations. The ministry stressed that compliant civil-use exports will continue unimpeded, with facilitation measures like general licenses under consideration to support legitimate trade.
US Tariff Escalation Draws Criticism
In response to U.S. plans to impose 100% tariffs and software export restrictions, MOFCOM accused Washington of "double standards," citing its expansive Commerce Control List covering 3,000 items compared to China's 900. The ministry criticized recent U.S. sanctions affecting Chinese maritime industries as destabilizing to bilateral relations and global supply chains.
Port Fee Countermeasures Announced
China will implement special port fees on U.S.-linked vessels starting October 14, countering similar U.S. measures. MOFCOM described this as a "necessary act of passive defense" to protect Chinese enterprises while urging Washington to return to dialogue frameworks established during recent leader-level talks.
The ministry reiterated China's preference for resolving disputes through the bilateral economic and trade consultation mechanism, warning that continued U.S. unilateralism would prompt "resolute measures" to protect national interests.
