1 of 2 | A rare earth mine in Ganxian county in central China's Jiangxi province. Photo by STR / EPA
June 24 (Asia Today) -- China's detention of two Japanese nationals in a case reportedly involving rare earth-related exports has heightened concern that Beijing's mineral controls are creating legal and personnel risks for foreign companies in addition to disrupting supply chains.
Japan's government said Wednesday that Chinese authorities detained one Japanese national in the northeastern port city of Dalian on May 18 and another on May 25.
Both were suspected of violating Chinese laws against smuggling goods prohibited from import or export, according to Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara.
China's Foreign Ministry confirmed that two Japanese citizens had been detained for alleged violations of Chinese law but did not provide details of the case.
