China on Sunday defended its new export controls on rare earths as a “legitimate” measure under international law, pushing back against U.S. accusations of economic coercion after Washington announced sweeping retaliatory tariffs and export restrictions. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce said the controls, issued Oct. 9, were part of Beijing’s effort to strengthen its export control system and “better safeguard world peace and regional stability” amid what it described as a turbulent global security environment. The measures, which now cover not only rare earth materials but also related intellectual property and ... (full story)