China Reaffirms Rare Earth Export Ban on Japan Amid US Pressure
China has reaffirmed its restriction on rare earth exports to Japan, despite requests from the United States to lift these measures. The ban, initially announced in January by China's Ministry of Commerce, targets dual-use items, including rare earth elements intended for Japanese military use. This decision is part of ongoing tensions between China and Japan, particularly concerning Taiwan. Despite the ban, China's overall rare earth exports have increased recently, reaching a four-month high in May, although still lower than the previous year. The Chinese government maintains that these materials are classified as dual-use under Chinese law, prohibiting their export for military purposes. The U.S. has expressed concerns over the impact on the global supply chain, particularly affecting Japan's technology sector. 
