China Defends Rare-Earth Export Controls Amid U.S. Criticism

Beijing on Thursday rejected U.S. demands to roll back expanded controls on rare-earth exports, accusing Washington of stoking unnecessary panic and distorting comments by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
The commerce ministry said the licensing regime, due Nov. 8, will approve applications that are compliant and for civilian use, and that the measures align with export-control practices used by other major economies.
U.S. officials called China's move a 'global supply-chain power grab' and linked it to broader tensions, including a recent expansion of Washington's Entity List targeting firms that circumvent export limits on advanced technologies.
Chinese spokespeople responded that Washington long overstates national-security concerns and maintains a much larger control list, arguing Beijing had notified the U.S. in advance.
Personal acrimony surfaced after Bessent criticized China's lead negotiator, prompting Beijing to call U.S. remarks distorted and reiterate its willingness to negotiate.
Markets and negotiators are watching closely: the measures and looming tariff deadlines could complicate a planned meeting between the two presidents in South Korea later this month.