China has dismissed claims that its recent restrictions on rare-earth mineral exports are connected to Pakistan’s reported gift of valuable metals to former U.S. President Donald Trump. Beijing emphasized that its “iron-clad friendship” with Pakistan remains strong and described such reports as unfounded attempts to create division.
On Monday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that the tightened controls on rare-earth exports and related technologies were introduced to prevent misuse by foreign companies, not in response to any actions by Pakistan.
“The new export control measures regarding rare-earths have no relation to Pakistan,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters at a briefing, according to the Global Times.
China currently produces around 70% of the world’s rare-earth minerals and processes about 90% of global supplies, making it the dominant player in this critical sector. These materials are vital for industries such as electronics, renewable energy, and defense. The United States, European Union, and India are among China’s largest importers.
Speculation arose after a photo surfaced showing Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif presenting a box of what some reports claimed were rare-earth samples to President Trump. It was later suggested that Pakistan had sent an initial shipment of these materials to the U.S.
Addressing the rumors, Lin clarified that the stones presented were gem ores, not rare-earth minerals. “From what I understand, Pakistan and the United States have communicated regarding mining cooperation. Pakistan has assured that its engagement with the U.S. will not harm China’s interests,” he said.
“The samples shown by Pakistani leaders were simply gem ores bought locally. The reports suggesting otherwise are either incorrect or deliberately fabricated to strain China-Pakistan relations,” Lin added.
He reaffirmed that China and Pakistan remain “all-weather strategic cooperative partners” whose “iron-clad friendship has stood the test of time,” emphasizing that both nations continue to maintain close communication and mutual trust on key strategic issues.
Lin concluded that China’s export control policy is a lawful adjustment intended to strengthen oversight and ensure responsible trade in rare-earth materials.
