"China's Gallium and Germanium Export Restrictions Justified... Different from the US"

In response to Western criticism over China's export restrictions on gallium and germanium, Chinese state media emphasized in an editorial that the measures are "rational and legally justified."

On the 6th, the Global Times (GT) published an editorial titled "Are China's export controls a precise counterattack against the US, Japan, and the Netherlands?" stating, "If the US uses gallium and germanium in advanced military equipment production, it could pose a threat to China's national security," asserting this position.

Earlier, China's Ministry of Commerce announced that it would control exports of gallium and germanium, rare metals used in semiconductors, starting August 1. Accordingly, these metals cannot be exported without Chinese government approval. China is known to produce 80% of the world's gallium and germanium.

GT explained, "China's export control measures have always adhered to principles of fairness, rationality, and non-discrimination, striving to maintain the safety and stability of global production and supply chains," adding, "Whether these measures violate World Trade Organization (WTO) regulations is a technical issue."

It also pointed out, "China is recognized as an exemplary WTO member contrasting sharply with the US, which tramples on WTO rules and principles," noting, "Although the US has larger germanium reserves than China, it has protected germanium as a defense reserve resource since 1984 and has conducted almost no mining activities." It continued, "In some respects, China's export controls on gallium and germanium have been somewhat delayed," emphasizing, "China has no reason to excessively deplete strategic resources to meet the demands of unfriendly countries."

Furthermore, the editorial criticized the international community for taking the US's norm-violating actions for granted while exaggerating and expanding China's legitimate actions. GT stated, "What is even more despicable is that the US leads in pointing fingers at China without any guilt or shame," explaining, "To contain and suppress China, the US has imposed unprecedented and increasingly expanding export restrictions on China."

It also stressed that interpretations suggesting the announcement of export control measures ahead of US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's visit to China was a 'warning' to the US are excessive. GT explained, "The scheduled measures will not be postponed or canceled just because high-ranking US officials come to set the tone."

Earlier, the US Department of Commerce firmly opposed China's decision to restrict exports of gallium and germanium. It also stated, "This move highlights the need to diversify supply chains," adding, "The US will work with allies and partner countries to address this and build resilience in critical supply chains."