China will strengthen strategic control over its mineral resources – including rare earths – through a new set of regulations that coordinate mining, processing, utilisation and stockpiling, as policymakers prioritise resource security amid intensifying geopolitical competition.The 79-article regulations on implementing the new mineral resources law were promulgated by Premier Li Qiang and will take effect on June 15. They set out principles for building a more secure reserve system for critical minerals and include provisions to improve emergency preparedness.The move comes as Beijing’s export controls on rare earths have become an important tool in its trade and technology rivalry with the United States, particularly since April 2025 when restrictions were imposed following US President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs.Following Trump’s high-stakes visit to China last week, the White House said on Sunday that China would “address US concerns over supply chain shortages of rare earths and other critical minerals”.Zhuang Wenyue, an analyst with the Institute of Public Policy at the South China University of Technology, said the regulations would empower the State Council, China’s cabinet, to identify critical minerals and enforce planning controls, restrictions and mining authorisations, with Article 5 and other clauses including detailed stipulations on most critical minerals.“Beijing has elevated using and securing strategic mineral resources to an economic and national security level, stressing internal supply, strategic management and hoarding as well as environmental protection,” Zhuang said.