China's curbs on exports of strategic minerals

BEIJING, - China announced sweeping export controls on Tuesday targeting five metals used across defence, clean energy and other industries, minutes after an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump came into effect.

The decision to restrict tungsten, indium among other metals is the latest attempt by China to weaponize its dominance in the mining and processing of a host of critical minerals vital to everything from smartphones and electric car batteries to infrared missiles and ammunition.

China proposed to restrict the export of some technology used to make cutting-edge battery components and process critical minerals lithium and gallium.