China Proposes Export Controls on Critical EV Technology

China is planning to impose new export restrictions on technologies used to extract minerals vital for the global electric vehicle (EV) industry, signaling an escalation in its ongoing tech rivalry with the United States, CNN reported.

- CORRESPONDENT

The proposed measures, if approved, would target technologies related to lithium, gallium, and battery cathode production, crucial components for EV battery and semiconductor manufacturing.

The proposal was announced by China's Commerce Ministry in a notice calling for public comments. It is seen as a potential expansion of China's ongoing effort to control materials essential for high-tech production. These moves come after China recently banned the sale of key materials like gallium, germanium, and antimony to the US in retaliation for US semiconductor export restrictions.

Mao Ning, a spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry, commented on the proposal, saying, "What we can tell you as a principle is that China implements fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory export control measures."