Overview
- China’s deputy foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian publicly rejected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks and defended export limits targeting rare earths and other dual‑use items.
- Lin said the controls are intended to prevent Japanese rearmament and possible moves toward nuclear capability, calling Japan’s stance self‑contradictory.
- The exchange follows a G7 leaders’ statement that urged members to reduce dependence on single suppliers for critical minerals and to diversify supply chains.
- China argued on June 18 that its export rules follow international practice and urged the G7 to stop using what it called ‘small‑group’ rules that harm the global trade order.
- Rare earths and dual‑use minerals are crucial for advanced civilian and military tech, and Beijing’s large processing role gives it leverage that could heighten supply‑chain and diplomatic tensions if the dispute continues.