China tightens rare earth export controls ahead of potential Trump-Xi meeting

China has tightened rare earth export controls, expanding restrictions to include related technologies and barring unauthorized overseas mining by its citizens. Foreign entities now require a license to export products containing Chinese-sourced rare earths or manufactured using Chinese extraction and refining technology. Permits will be denied for items potentially used in weaponry or by entities on export-control lists. These measures, effective December 1 for materials and immediately for technologies, come weeks before a potential meeting between U.S. President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.