China strengthens export controls on strategic minerals, dual‑use items

China has unveiled a new mechanism to encourage public reporting of violations in the export of strategic minerals and dual-use items, the Ministry of Commerce announced on Wednesday.

The new rules, effective July 1, are designed to "fully leverage the role of social oversight" in combating illegal and non-compliant exports of strategic minerals, the ministry said in an announcement.

Such acts as unauthorized exports of strategic minerals and dual-use items, exports beyond the scope, conditions, or validity period of export licenses, or circumventing export controls through third-country transshipment will be deemed as reportable violations, according to the ministry.

Further improving the handling of reports on strategic minerals and dual-use items, and enhancing law enforcement capabilities, is a basic requirement for improving the export control system and a normal measure to safeguard national security and interests, a ministry spokesperson said in a separate statement.

At the same time, the spokesperson noted that leveraging the supervisory role of reporting on export control violations is an internationally accepted practice. Many countries around the world have relevant provisions.

Drawing on the experience of various nations to improve China's reporting system for strategic minerals and dual-use item export controls can effectively prevent related items from being used for illicit purposes, better safeguard world peace, and demonstrate China's responsibility as a major country, the spokesperson added.