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China sharpens rare earth controls in trade war strategy

The Sun

an hour ago

The Sun

China sharpens rare earth controls in trade war strategy

BEIJING: China has signalled for more than 15 years that it was looking to weaponise areas of the global supply chain, a strategy modelled on longstanding American export controls Beijing views as aimed at stalling its rise. The scramble in recent weeks to secure export licences for rare earths, capped by Thursday's telephone call between U.S. and Chinese leaders Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, shows China has devised a better, more precisely targeted weapon for trade war. Industry executives and analysts say while China is showing signs of approving more exports of the key elements, it will not dismantle its new system. Modelled on the United States' own, Beijing's export licence system gives it unprecedented insight into supplier chokepoints in areas ranging from motors for electric vehicles to flight-control systems for guided missiles. 'China originally took inspiration for these export control methods from the comprehensive U.S. sanctions regime,' said Zhu Junwei, a scholar at the Grandview Institution, a Beijing-based think tank focused on international relations. 'China has been trying to build its own export control systems since then, to be used as a last resort.' After Thursday's call, Trump said both leaders had been 'straightening out some of the points, having to do mostly with rare earth magnets and some other things'. He did not say whether China committed to speeding up licences for exports of rare earth magnets, after Washington curbed exports of chip design software and jet engines to Beijing in response to its perceived slow-rolling on licences. China holds a near-monopoly on rare earth magnets, a crucial component in EV motors. In April it added some of the most sophisticated types to an export control list in its trade war with the United States, forcing all exporters to apply to Beijing for licences. That put a once-obscure department of China's commerce ministry, with a staff of about 60, in charge of a chokepoint for global manufacturing. The ministry did not immediately respond to Reuters' questions sent by fax. Several European auto suppliers shut down production lines this week after running out of supplies. While China's April curbs coincided with a broader package of retaliation against Washington's tariffs, the measures apply globally. 'Beijing has a degree of plausible deniability – no one can prove China is doing this on purpose,' said Noah Barkin, senior adviser at Rhodium Group, a China-focused U.S. thinktank. 'But the rate of approvals is a pretty clear signal that China is sending a message, exerting pressure to prevent trade negotiations with the U.S. leading to additional technology control.' China mines about 70% of the world's rare earths but has a virtual monopoly on refining and processing. Even if the pace of export approvals quickens as Trump suggested, the new system gives Beijing unprecedented glimpses of how companies in a supply chain deploy the rare earths it processes, European and U.S. executives have warned. Other governments are denied that insight because of the complexity of supply chain operations. For example, hundreds of Japanese suppliers are believed to need China to approve export licences for rare earth magnets in coming weeks to avert production disruptions, said a person who has lobbied on their behalf with Beijing. 'It's sharpening China's scalpel,' said a U.S.-based executive at a company seeking to piece together an alternative supply chain who sought anonymity. 'It's not a way to oversee the export of magnets, but a way to gain influence and advantage over America.' DECADES IN THE MAKING Fears that China could weaponise its global supply chain strength first emerged after its temporary ban of rare earth exports to Japan in 2010, following a territorial dispute. As early as 1992, former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping was quoted as saying, 'The Middle East has oil, China has rare earths.' Beijing's landmark 2020 Export Control Law broadened curbs to cover any items affecting national security, from critical goods and materials to technology and data. China has since built its own sanctions power while pouring the equivalent of billions of dollars into developing workarounds in response to U.S. policies. In 2022, the United States put sweeping curbs on sales of advanced semiconductor chips and tools to China over concerns the technology could advance Beijing's military power. But the move failed to halt China's development of advanced chips and artificial intelligence, analysts have said. Beijing punched back a year later by introducing export licenses for gallium and germanium, and some graphite products. Exports to the United States of the two critical minerals, along with germanium, were banned last December. In February China restricted exports of five more metals key to the defence and clean energy industries. Analysts face a hard task in tracking the pace of China's approvals following the Trump-Xi call. 'It's virtually impossible to know what percentage of requests for non-military end users get approved because the data is not public and companies don't want to publicly confirm either way,' said Cory Combs, a critical minerals analyst with Trivium, a policy consultancy focused on China.

China's rare earth weapon changes contours of trade war battlefield

The Sun

an hour ago

The Sun

China's rare earth weapon changes contours of trade war battlefield

BEIJING: China has signalled for more than 15 years that it was looking to weaponise areas of the global supply chain, a strategy modelled on longstanding American export controls Beijing views as aimed at stalling its rise. The scramble in recent weeks to secure export licences for rare earths, capped by Thursday's telephone call between U.S. and Chinese leaders Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, shows China has devised a better, more precisely targeted weapon for trade war. Industry executives and analysts say while China is showing signs of approving more exports of the key elements, it will not dismantle its new system. Modelled on the United States' own, Beijing's export licence system gives it unprecedented insight into supplier chokepoints in areas ranging from motors for electric vehicles to flight-control systems for guided missiles. 'China originally took inspiration for these export control methods from the comprehensive U.S. sanctions regime,' said Zhu Junwei, a scholar at the Grandview Institution, a Beijing-based think tank focused on international relations. 'China has been trying to build its own export control systems since then, to be used as a last resort.' After Thursday's call, Trump said both leaders had been 'straightening out some of the points, having to do mostly with rare earth magnets and some other things'. He did not say whether China committed to speeding up licences for exports of rare earth magnets, after Washington curbed exports of chip design software and jet engines to Beijing in response to its perceived slow-rolling on licences. China holds a near-monopoly on rare earth magnets, a crucial component in EV motors. In April it added some of the most sophisticated types to an export control list in its trade war with the United States, forcing all exporters to apply to Beijing for licences. That put a once-obscure department of China's commerce ministry, with a staff of about 60, in charge of a chokepoint for global manufacturing. The ministry did not immediately respond to Reuters' questions sent by fax. Several European auto suppliers shut down production lines this week after running out of supplies. While China's April curbs coincided with a broader package of retaliation against Washington's tariffs, the measures apply globally. 'Beijing has a degree of plausible deniability – no one can prove China is doing this on purpose,' said Noah Barkin, senior adviser at Rhodium Group, a China-focused U.S. thinktank. 'But the rate of approvals is a pretty clear signal that China is sending a message, exerting pressure to prevent trade negotiations with the U.S. leading to additional technology control.' China mines about 70% of the world's rare earths but has a virtual monopoly on refining and processing. Even if the pace of export approvals quickens as Trump suggested, the new system gives Beijing unprecedented glimpses of how companies in a supply chain deploy the rare earths it processes, European and U.S. executives have warned. Other governments are denied that insight because of the complexity of supply chain operations. For example, hundreds of Japanese suppliers are believed to need China to approve export licences for rare earth magnets in coming weeks to avert production disruptions, said a person who has lobbied on their behalf with Beijing. 'It's sharpening China's scalpel,' said a U.S.-based executive at a company seeking to piece together an alternative supply chain who sought anonymity. 'It's not a way to oversee the export of magnets, but a way to gain influence and advantage over America.' DECADES IN THE MAKING Fears that China could weaponise its global supply chain strength first emerged after its temporary ban of rare earth exports to Japan in 2010, following a territorial dispute. As early as 1992, former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping was quoted as saying, 'The Middle East has oil, China has rare earths.' Beijing's landmark 2020 Export Control Law broadened curbs to cover any items affecting national security, from critical goods and materials to technology and data. China has since built its own sanctions power while pouring the equivalent of billions of dollars into developing workarounds in response to U.S. policies. In 2022, the United States put sweeping curbs on sales of advanced semiconductor chips and tools to China over concerns the technology could advance Beijing's military power. But the move failed to halt China's development of advanced chips and artificial intelligence, analysts have said. Beijing punched back a year later by introducing export licenses for gallium and germanium, and some graphite products. Exports to the United States of the two critical minerals, along with germanium, were banned last December. In February China restricted exports of five more metals key to the defence and clean energy industries. Analysts face a hard task in tracking the pace of China's approvals following the Trump-Xi call. 'It's virtually impossible to know what percentage of requests for non-military end users get approved because the data is not public and companies don't want to publicly confirm either way,' said Cory Combs, a critical minerals analyst with Trivium, a policy consultancy focused on China.

Trip.com Strengthens Southeast Asia Footprint with Strategic Partnerships in Vietnam and Singapore

Malaysian Reserve

an hour ago

Malaysian Reserve

Trip.com Strengthens Southeast Asia Footprint with Strategic Partnerships in Vietnam and Singapore

SINGAPORE, June 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Leading international travel service provider has announced two new strategic partnerships aimed at expanding its Attractions & Tours business across Southeast Asia. It has signed agreements with Vietnam's premier entertainment brand, Sun World Holding, and Singapore-based DreamUs International Holdings, operator of popular family attractions including the newly-revamped SuperPark Singapore. These collaborations underscore Group's commitment to enhancing user experiences through curated, high-quality travel products and to supporting partners in digital transformation and global outreach. Strengthening Regional Presence Through Key Partnerships In Vietnam, entered into a strategic partnership with Sun World Holding, a flagship brand under Sun Group. The signing took place on the sidelines of Group's Envision 2025 Global Conference in Shanghai. Through this collaboration, will distribute Sun World's attraction tickets across domestic and international markets, with a focus on key inbound regions such as South Korea, China, Thailand, and Singapore. The partnership will also support joint marketing initiatives to promote iconic destinations like Phu Quoc, Da Nang, and Sa Pa. 'Vietnam is a key market for as we continue to grow internationally, and we are delighted to embark on a new phase of our cooperation with Sun World Holding to strengthen our offerings in this wonderful country,' said Mr Chase Liu, General Manager of Attractions & Tours, Group. 'Together, we aim to promote Vietnam as a premier travel destination and deliver unforgettable experiences to our users worldwide.' Ms Christine Tran, Deputy CEO of Sun World Holding, added: 'We are honoured to establish a strategic partnership with one of the leading online travel platforms in the region and the world. With influence, we hope not only to enhance service quality for our customers through technological solutions and optimised distribution systems to Sun World parks but also to strengthen the presence of Sun Hospitality & Entertainment's ecosystem in key international markets, especially in Asia.' In Singapore, signed an exclusive ticket distribution agreement with DreamUs International Holdings, the operator of SuperPark Singapore, Pororo Park Singapore, and Tayo Station. Under this agreement, will serve as the exclusive authorised third-party distributor for tickets to these attractions, streamlining inventory management and improving access for regional audiences. While DreamUs will continue to operate its direct-to-consumer sales through its official website and on-site counters, all other online platforms and resellers must now source their ticket inventory exclusively via or its designated partners. 'This partnership strengthens leadership in the attractions and experiences space,' added Mr Liu. 'We're proud to support DreamUs in expanding their audience reach while consolidating distribution through our ecosystem.' Ms Carolyn Chia, General Manager of DreamUs International Holdings, commented: 'We are excited to collaborate with as our exclusive distribution gateway. This partnership allows us to consolidate supply management while reaching new customer segments, both locally and regionally.' Continued Growth in Southeast Asia These partnerships reflect ongoing investment in Southeast Asia's travel ecosystem. Through innovative collaborations with trusted local brands, the Group continues to expand its one-stop platform capabilities, offering travellers enhanced access to regional experiences and ensuring partners benefit from scalable digital distribution. Attractions & Tours business in Southeast Asia has expanded rapidly, doubling (over 110% increase) its year-on-year GMV growth last year. Vietnam in particular saw even stronger growth, with 2024's GMV more than tripling (over 250% increase) compared to the previous year, while the slightly more mature Singapore market saw healthy growth of over 80%. About is an international one-stop travel service provider, available in 24 languages across 39 countries and regions in 35 local currencies. has an extensive hotel and flight network consisting of more than 1.5 million hotels and flights from over 640 airlines covering 3,400 airports in 220 countries and regions around the globe. world-class 24/7 multilingual customer service, as well as additional centres in Edinburgh, Tokyo and Seoul, help to 'create the best travel experience' for its millions of customers worldwide. To book your next trip, visit About Sun World Holding LLC Sun World Holding LLC., part of Sun Group, is positioned as a world-class entertainment and hospitality brand. The Sun World system includes nine amusement parks and tourist destinations across Vietnam: Sun World Ba Na Hills, Da Nang Downtown, Sun World Fansipan Legend, Sun World Ha Long, Sun World Hon Thom, Sun World Ba Den Mountain, Sun World Ha Nam, Sun World Cat Ba, and Sun World Sam Son. Each Sun World offers a unique version, showcasing the cultural, human, and natural beauty of each region, telling the story of the destination with a range of fascinating experiences. The Sun Hospitality Group encompasses 15 world-class resorts in Vietnam, many of which have received continuous international accolades, such as InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, and Capella Hanoi. About DreamUs Group DreamUs Group is a leading provider of experience-based family entertainment with a mission to bring serious happiness to children and families through the power of purposeful play. Headquartered in Singapore, DreamUs Group operates a network of immersive play destinations designed to inspire creativity, build confidence, and foster connection. With flagship locations in Singapore and Indonesia, our portfolio includes SuperPark Singapore, Pororo Park Singapore, Tayo Station, SuperPark Indonesia (Pondok Indah Mall and Puri Indah Mall), and Pororo Park Indonesia. DreamUs playgrounds offer more than fun—they provide meaningful, developmentally rich experiences that support natural learning through play. For more information, visit

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China sharpens rare earth controls in trade war strategy

China's rare earth weapon changes contours of trade war battlefield

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Top 10 scariest countries to drive in: Malaysia ranks 10th

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China sharpens rare earth controls in trade war strategy

China's rare earth weapon changes contours of trade war battlefield

Trip.com Strengthens Southeast Asia Footprint with Strategic Partnerships in Vietnam and Singapore

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