Beijing Rejects Claims of Link to US Cooperation
China has firmly dismissed rumours that its new export restrictions on rare earth materials are connected to Pakistan’s cooperation with the United States in the mining sector.
Officials called such reports “baseless” and “meant to drive a wedge” between Beijing and Islamabad.
China and Pakistan Maintain Strategic Trust
At a regular press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that Pakistan keeps China informed about its engagements with Washington.
He added that both nations continue to maintain “high-level strategic trust and close communication” on all major issues.
Pakistan Sends First Mineral Shipment to US
The clarification followed Pakistan’s first mineral shipment to the US under a $500 million partnership with US Strategic Metals.
Signed in September, the deal includes antimony, copper concentrate, and rare earth elements such as neodymium and praseodymium.
The Frontier Works Organisation helped prepare the shipment locally, showing Pakistan’s capacity in mineral processing.
China Clarifies Export Controls
Lin Jian made it clear that China’s export control measures “have nothing to do with Pakistan.”
He explained that the move is part of Beijing’s plan to streamline export management, safeguard global peace, and meet international non-proliferation goals.
Moreover, the controls are meant to improve transparency and regulation in the global rare earth trade.
Beijing Rejects Misinformation and Viral Claims
Lin also rejected social media reports suggesting that Pakistani officials presented Chinese-mined ores to US leaders.
He clarified that the minerals shown in viral photos were locally purchased gem ores, not Chinese-origin material.
This clarification aimed to counter misinformation spreading online about the cooperation framework.
China Reaffirms Iron-Clad Ties with Pakistan
Reiterating the strength of bilateral relations, Beijing described China and Pakistan as “all-weather strategic cooperative partners.”
Lin highlighted that Islamabad assured Beijing its cooperation with Washington “will never harm China’s interests or its partnership with China.”
This statement reinforced confidence in the enduring trust between the two allies.
China Expands Rare Earth Export Controls
China refines over 90% of the world’s rare earths and has expanded its export control list to include holmium, erbium, thulium, europium, and ytterbium.
These elements are vital for electric vehicles, defence systems, and semiconductor production.
By updating its controls, China seeks to strengthen its global leadership in rare earth supply while ensuring responsible and secure resource management.
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