China Introduces Rare Earth Export Controls Early?

On May 28th, the spokesperson of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to questions about the control of rare earth exports at a regular press conference.

Previously, a journalist asked why China reactivated the control measures on the export of rare earths before the expiration of the suspension period agreed upon in the Sino-American bilateral agreement (which stipulates the suspension until November 10, 2026). The spokesperson stated: "To my knowledge, the Chinese Embassy in the United States has forwarded the preliminary outcomes of the China-United States economic and trade consultations. Both parties should jointly implement the important consensus reached by the heads of the two countries and maintain the stable development of China-U.S. economic and trade relations."

This statement directed the external inquiries about the reactivation of rare earth control towards the implementation of the consensus reached by the two heads of state, without directly addressing the specific reasons for the early initiation of control.