China expands rare earth restrictions, targets defence, semiconductor users

BEIJING (Reuters) -China tightened its rare earth export controls on Thursday, saying it planned to limit exports to overseas defence firms and semiconductor users and adding five rare earth elements to its list. The world's largest rare earth producer also added dozens of pieces of refining technology to its control list and announced rules that will require compliance from foreign rare earth producers who use Chinese materials. The Ministry of Commerce's announcements follow U.S. lawmakers' call on Tuesday for broader bans on the export of chipmaking equipment to China.