Editing New Export Controls on Rare Earths and Semiconductors (section)

== Why China Did This — Motivations ==

* '''National Security & Dual-Use Risks''': Beijing frames the controls as necessary to prevent the transfer of strategic or dual-use technologies that may compromise its security.
* '''Geopolitical Leverage''': With China dominating upstream rare earth refining and magnet manufacturing, it holds significant sway over global supply chains. Tightening controls gives China bargaining power in trade and diplomatic negotiations.  (Source: The Guardian)
* '''Counter to External Controls''': The export curbs come in the context of U.S. and allied export restrictions on semiconductor technologies into China. This is meant to be a countermeasure in the high-tech trade war.
* '''Supply Chain Reshaping''': By controlling exports of key materials, China nudges other countries to rely on Chinese processing or face licensing uncertainty.

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