China Officials Try to Ease Global Concern Over Rare Earth Curbs

Chinese officials tried to ease concerns over its shock escalation of rare earth curbs while traveling in Washington, attempting to soften an international backlash while trade negotiations with the US proceed.

Chinese delegates told their global counterparts that tightened export controls will not harm normal trade flows, in discussions on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund’s annual meetings this week, according to people familiar with the matter.

The officials said China sought to build a long-term mechanism with the measure, and it was introduced as a response to US provocations such as the expansion of sanctions to capture subsidiaries ...