**China Intensifies Clampdown on Illegal Mining Amid US Tensions**

China has ramped up efforts to enforce stricter regulations on its critical mineral exports. The country, which is a leading global producer of these essential minerals, has increased scrutiny on illegal mining activities in regions abundant with these resources, in response to the escalating tensions with the United States.

As the predominant supplier of critical minerals, China contributes 92% of the world's refined rare earth elements. These elements play a crucial role in the manufacturing of consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and advanced defense systems. Recently, the Chinese government has mandated that any company wishing to export these minerals must secure approval from relevant regulatory bodies.

Authorities in mineral-abundant regions like Guangxi Zhuang, Guizhou, and Hunan are rigorously inspecting exporters' operations. According to the state-owned Securities Times, this move follows a directive from Beijing that calls for comprehensive "whole-chain" control over strategic mineral exports. This effort aims to cement China's dominance in the global supply of these critical resources.

The crackdown comes in the wake of new restrictions imposed by the US on jet engine and chip design technology, which has reignited bilateral tensions. Hunan province has taken a proactive approach, promising to catalog all strategic mineral exporters and bolster their compliance capabilities. Meanwhile, Guangxi has pledged to intensify its supervision over mining practices, targeting illegal operations such as unlicensed extraction and mining beyond approved areas.

Furthermore, Wuzhou in Guangxi and Yunfu in Guangdong province have initiated a cross-regional coordination mechanism to combat illegal mining activities more effectively. This collaborative effort underscores China's growing resolve to maintain its stronghold on the global critical minerals market, especially amid ongoing disputes with the US.