China Defends Critical Mineral Export Controls After G7 Moves To Reduce Reliance

China has defended its export control measures on critical minerals and urged Group of Seven (G7) nations to respect market economy principles and international trade rules, following the bloc’s latest efforts to reduce dependence on Chinese supplies.

The comments came after G7 leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation on critical minerals, including plans to coordinate stockpiling strategies and expand the role of the International Energy Agency in securing supply chains.

China Says Export Controls Follow International Practice

Speaking at a regular briefing on Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said China’s export control framework aligns with international norms and practices.

According to Lin, Beijing’s measures are intended to improve oversight of sensitive exports while contributing to global peace, regional stability and international non-proliferation obligations.

He also criticised what he described as attempts by certain countries to create exclusive groupings that could undermine international economic and trade systems.

China has increasingly defended its export restrictions as legitimate regulatory measures rather than tools of economic pressure, arguing that many countries maintain similar controls on strategically important goods.

G7 Intensifies Efforts To Diversify Supply Chains

The latest response from Beijing follows an agreement among G7 leaders to accelerate efforts aimed at reducing reliance on a single source for critical minerals and rare earth materials.

Western governments view access to these resources as increasingly important because they are essential for defence systems, advanced technologies, electric vehicles and renewable energy infrastructure.

As a result, G7 countries are seeking closer coordination on supply chain resilience, stockpiling and investment in alternative sources of production and processing.

The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen economic security and reduce vulnerabilities linked to concentrated supply chains.

Concerns Grow Over Rare Earth Dependence

The push for diversification gained momentum after China’s export restrictions on permanent magnets last year disrupted several industries and highlighted the world’s dependence on Chinese production.

China remains a dominant supplier of many critical minerals and rare earth products used in high-tech manufacturing and clean energy technologies.

Consequently, governments in North America, Europe and Asia have increased efforts to develop alternative mining, refining and processing capacity.

G7 leaders emphasised the need to reduce dependence on any single supplier outside the grouping and its partner nations.

Ambitious Targets Set For Critical Mineral Security

Without directly naming China, G7 leaders outlined specific targets for reducing concentration risks in critical mineral supply chains.

Under the plan, member nations aim to lower dependence on any one external supplier for rare earths and permanent magnets to below 60% by 2030.

Furthermore, the bloc stated its longer-term objective is to reduce that reliance to 50% as quickly as possible.

The targets reflect growing concerns among advanced economies about supply chain resilience, particularly as demand for critical minerals continues to rise amid the global transition towards advanced technologies and cleaner energy systems.

Meanwhile, China maintains that its export control measures are consistent with international standards and has called on major economies to support open trade and avoid policies that could fragment global markets.

With inputs from Reuters