China on Monday clarified that the strict export restrictions it has imposed on rare-earth minerals and their related technologies have no connection with the gift presented by Pakistan to US President Donald Trump.
China Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said that the unbreakable friendship between Beijing and Islamabad remains intact. Despite Pakistan’s growing relations with America, China’s trust in Pakistan remains firm.
Lin Jian said at a media briefing, “China’s recent announcements are regarding export controls of rare earths and related commodities and have nothing to do with Pakistan. The reports you are citing are either ignorant of facts or based on speculations or are intended to spread confusion. These are completely baseless.”
Let us tell you that last week, China had imposed strict rules on mining and processing, accusing foreign companies of misusing its rare earth minerals. These metals are very important in electronics, automobiles, wind energy and defense equipment. After this, US President Trump announced 100 percent tariff on China.
China controls about 70 percent of the world’s rare earth mining capacity and 90 percent of its processing capacity, making it almost the sole supplier of these metals used in modern electronic equipment, automobiles, wind energy and defense technology. America, European Union and India are the major buyers of China.
A photo gave rise to speculations
Recently, a picture showed Pakistani Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif giving a box to Trump, which was said to be a sample of rare earth minerals. This had led to speculations about China’s new export controls being linked to Pakistan.
Now China clarified, “The box that Pakistani leaders gave to Trump was not rare earth minerals, but gem minerals. The two countries have discussed mining cooperation between Pakistan and America. Pakistan stressed that its trade with America will not affect China’s interests or cooperation with China.”
The Chinese official said, “China and Pakistan are forever strategic partners. Our unwavering friendship has stood the test of time. The two countries have maintained high-level strategic trust and close contacts on issues of common interest to each other.”
The Chinese Embassy in the US also said that high tariffs and sanctions are not the right approach. Both the countries should resolve their differences through mutual dialogue and keep relations strong.
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