China asks Korea not to export products using rare earths to US defense firms, paper reports

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SEOUL, April 22 (Reuters) - Beijing recently asked South Korean companies not to export products containing China's rare earth minerals to U.S. defense firms, the Korea Economic Daily reported on Tuesday, citing government and company sources.

The report said China's commerce ministry delivered the message in letters to Korean companies which make power transformers, batteries, displays, electric vehicles, aerospace and medical equipment, all of which use the key materials.

The letters said Korean companies could face sanctions if they violate the export restrictions, the report said

https://archive.ph/RmmQM

It will be interesting to learn how this will play out. I don't think China has exatlyendeared itself to South Korea given its continued support of the Kims. On the other hand, if South Korea doesn't comply, then maybe its supply of rare earths will dry up. And on the third hand, there's Trump's proposed tariff of 25%. Quite a dilemma.

[Yagoda]

Sounds more like a threat than an ask.

[Tropicalevo]

When any country's leader or government criticise something that China is doing, their official response is always 'do not interfere in another country's business'.

Ditto China - with bells on.

 

[blaze master]

Good thing South Korea is a democracy and not communist.

[KhunLA]

9 hours ago, blaze master said:

Good thing South Korea is a democracy and not communist.

And if CN stops exporting rare earth minerals to SK ?

 

I'd say CN has quite a bit of influence what SK does.

 

 

Leading opposition candidate for president in SK is pro CN ...