Japan calls for united G7 action against China's rare-earth export curbs

Japan’s Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato on Thursday urged Group of Seven (G7) nations to take a coordinated stand against China’s recently announced restrictions on rare-earth exports.

Speaking to reporters in Washington, Kato said, “Japan is deeply concerned about the extensive export restrictions on rare earths announced by China last week, and the G7 should unite in dealing with the issue.”

On October 9, Beijing introduced new controls on the export of rare-earth technologies and materials. China dominates global production of these critical minerals, which are essential for manufacturing magnets used in electric vehicles, electronics, and defence equipment.

The move has added fresh strain to already tense trade relations between Beijing and Washington. On Wednesday, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticised the export curbs, describing them as “China versus the world.” He pledged that the United States and its allies would “neither be commanded nor controlled.”

The remarks from both Bessent and Kato came as global economic leaders convened in Washington for the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank.

The G7 — comprising the United States, Japan, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom — has been seeking to reduce dependence on China for critical supply chains, including rare earths and semiconductors.