China announces export control on superhard materials, rare earths, battery-related items

China's commerce ministry and the General Administration of Customs on Thursday announced export control measures on items related to superhard materials, rare earth equipment and materials, and batteries.

Effective from Nov. 8, exports of items related to superhard materials, equipment and raw materials related to rare earths, five medium and heavy rare earth elements including holmium, lithium batteries, as well as synthetic graphite anode materials, will not be permitted without approval, the Ministry of Commerce stated.

Given the dual-use nature of these items, the ministry said that China implements export control measures in accordance with laws and regulations, which conforms to international common practice and is in line with better safeguarding China's national security and interests, and better fulfilling its international obligations, such as its commitment to non-proliferation.

The Chinese government is willing to work with all countries to maintain the stability and smooth operations of global industrial and supply chains, the ministry said.

These measures are not targeted at any country or region, the ministry said, adding that China will grant approval to export applications that are legal and compliant following a review process.

At the same time, China is willing to engage in communication on export control policies and practices with relevant parties through bilateral dialogue and exchange mechanisms, to jointly promote and facilitate compliant trade, the ministry said.

China announces export control on superhard materials, rare earths, battery-related items

China announces export control on superhard materials, rare earths, battery-related items

China announces export control on superhard materials, rare earths, battery-related items

China announces export control on superhard materials, rare earths, battery-related items

Explosions were heard on Iran's Kharg Island on Tuesday, following multiple attacks by the United States and Israel, according to Iran's semi-official Mehr news agency.

Located in the Persian Gulf, Kharg Island is about 25 km off the coast of Iran and less than 700 km northwest of the Strait of Hormuz.

The island has served as Iran's main oil export terminal since the 1960s, when its facilities were built with the involvement of U.S. oil companies. Iran has since expanded and upgraded its infrastructure over the decades. Today, crude shipped from Kharg forms the backbone of the Iranian government's revenue.

Although it covers only about 20 square km, it handles about 1.5 million barrels of crude oil every day, with 90 percent of Iran's oil passing through a terminal on the island, making it an "economic lifeline" for the country.

On March 13, U.S. forces "executed a large-scale precision strike" on Kharg Island, destroying naval mine storage facilities, missile storage bunkers, and multiple other military sites. U.S. President Trump has also said he has considered taking full control of the island.

U.S., Israel attack Iran's Kharg Island: media