China targets US rare earth and other firms with export controls

BEIJING — China has added what it said were 10 US entities linked to the US military on its export control list in retaliation for Washington placing a number of Chinese firms on its list this month.

Aveox, a specialised motor manufacturer for mission-critical applications, as well as rare earth producers MP Materials and USA Rare Earth were among companies placed on the list, which prohibits Chinese exporters from selling dual-use items to them.

The measures are a response to the "US government's malicious practice" and were taken to safeguard national security and interests, as well as to fulfil international obligations such as non-proliferation, China's Commerce Ministry said in a statement on Monday (June 22).

Any ongoing export activities with those companies should be stopped immediately, it said.

In a separate notice, China's finance ministry said it has also decided to take measures against 46 US companies. 

Chinese buyers are now barred from procuring any products manufactured by them, though US-funded enterprises operating in China can still do so.

Two weeks ago, the US added Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, internet search provider Baidu, and automakers BYD and ​Nio to a list of companies it believes are aiding Beijing's military.

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