China restricts mineral exports to US defense companies

22 September, 2024 Flag of China. Photo from the network China imposed restrictions on the export of minerals for the US defense industry.

Fox News reported on this. China is taking a new step in its shadowy confrontation with the United States by restricting the export of minerals, including antimony, which is vital for the US defense industry as a fireproofing component. According to experts, such a move by China could significantly increase the cost of equipment that uses fire retardant components in the defense sector.

AIM-9X air-to-air missile under the wing of an F-16 fighter.

Photo credits: Posterazzi

The little-known metal antimony is used in ammunition, infrared missiles, nuclear weapons, night vision goggles, batteries, and photovoltaic equipment. China produced nearly half of the world's antimony last year. The limits, which kicked in on Sunday, apply to six antimony-related products, including antimony ore, antimony metals, and antimony oxide.

The U.S. consumed some 22,000 tons of antimony last year. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), China accounted for 63% of U.S. antimony metal and oxide imports last year.

The next largest supplier, Belgium, offered some 8%. The material is being restricted "in order to safeguard national security and interests and fulfill international obligations such as non-proliferation," the Chinese Ministry of Commerce stated.

Training launch of the PAC-2/GEM-T anti-aircraft missile (against ballistic missiles) at a test site in the United States

It should be noted that due to the strained relations between China and the United States, both countries are trying to prevent the defense industry from increasing production of strategically important weapons.

In addition to the United States, countries with close economic ties with China play an important role, as they understand the importance of stopping trade with China in important resources and equipment.

As previously reported, Chinese defense companies are facing problems exporting their weapons due to the high competition in the global market.

Militarnyi recently discussed China pushing Russia out of the African arms market and is increasing the supply of military equipment to African countries.