China Proposes New Export Curbs on Critical Minerals, Battery Technology

China is the world’s leading supplier and processor of several critical minerals.

Employees work at a factory that produces lithium batteries for export in Huaibei, Anhui Province, China, on June 11, 2024. STR/AFP via Getty Images

The Chinese communist regime has unveiled a new proposal to tighten restrictions on technology used for batteries and critical minerals processing amid escalating tensions with the United States and other trading partners.

China proposed to broaden or modify the existing restrictions on technology and processes for extracting critical minerals, such as metallic gallium and lithium, according to a document released by the Ministry of Commerce on Jan. 2.