Pakistan, Oct. 9 -- China has tightened its rare earth export controls, expanding restrictions on processing technology and clarifying that defence and semiconductor industries abroad will face stricter limitations. The move comes as Beijing aims to protect its strategic edge in critical minerals used in electric vehicles, aircraft engines, and advanced military systems. This announcement follows months of global concern over China's dominance, as it produces more than 90% of the world's processed rare earth materials.

The new rules, issued by the Ministry of Commerce, expand upon sweeping export controls announced earlier this year, which caused temporary shortages across Europe and the United States. Analysts suggest that these tighten...