China Denies Reports of Pakistan Sending Rare Earths to the U.S.

Beijing has rejected reports suggesting that Pakistan supplied the U.S. with rare earth elements, calling them 'false, fabricated, and aimed at undermining the friendship' between the two countries.

Beijing has rejected reports suggesting that Pakistan supplied the U.S. with rare earth elements, calling them “false, fabricated, and aimed at undermining the friendship” between the two countries.

The statement came from Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian during a press conference on Monday. Responding to a question from a Global Times reporter, Lin addressed allegations that Pakistan exported rare earth materials to the U.S. using Chinese technology.

Earlier this month, several international media outlets reported that Pakistan had sent enriched rare earth elements and critical minerals to a U.S.-based company, “US Strategic Metals,” in Missouri — allegedly marking the country’s first such shipment.

Lin Jian firmly rejected the claims, stressing that China and Pakistan are “all-weather strategic cooperative partners” with strong mutual trust and close communication:

“China and Pakistan maintain deep strategic coordination at all levels,” he said.

He added that Islamabad had assured Beijing that its mining cooperation with Washington would not harm China’s interests.

According to Lin, the samples presented by Pakistani officials to American representatives were not rare earth materials produced using Chinese technology, but rather locally purchased gemstone ores.

The spokesperson also emphasized that China’s recent decision to strengthen export controls on rare earth elements and related technologies has no connection to Pakistan.

“This is a legitimate move aimed at improving export regulations, maintaining regional stability, and fulfilling our non-proliferation commitments,” Lin said.

Last week, China expanded its restrictions on the export of rare earths and related technologies, increasing its influence over the global supply chain.

The new measures will take effect on November 8, just two days before the expiration of the U.S.-China trade truce. The rules will limit exports involving rare earth extraction and separation technologies, synthetic diamond powders, single crystals, diamond wire saws, and similar materials.