Beijing: China has confirmed that Pakistan has been kept informed by its close ally about its cooperation with the United States in the mining sector.
Speaking at a press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said both countries share “high-level strategic trust and close communication.”
“China and Pakistan have maintained deep communication on issues of common interest,” Lin stated. “From what I’ve learned, the two sides have discussed Pakistan-US mining cooperation.”
In September, US Strategic Metals signed a $500 million memorandum of understanding with Pakistan to develop mineral processing facilities. The company recently sent its first shipment of mineral samples to the US.
Prepared in partnership with the Frontier Works Organisation, the shipment includes antimony, copper concentrate, and rare earth elements such as neodymium and praseodymium.
#FMsays China's recently released rare earth export control measures have nothing to do with Pakistan, FM spokesman Lin Jian said. China and Pakistan have maintained communication over Pakistan's mining cooperation with the US, Lin said, adding that Pakistan has emphasized that… pic.twitter.com/VneIxsp17g
— China Daily (@ChinaDaily) October 13, 2025Pakistan also exports around $1.2 billion in copper ore to China each year. Both countries are deepening mining and mineral sector cooperation, particularly in rare earth production. China currently produces over 90% of the world’s processed rare earths, essential for EVs, aircraft engines, and military technology.
Lin Jian dismissed reports linking Pakistan’s exports to China’s new rare earth export controls, calling them “misinformed or fabricated.”
Read: Pakistan Ships First $500M Rare Earths Elements to US
He added that Pakistan assured China its US engagement would not harm Chinese interests or cooperation.
Referring to an image of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir presenting mineral samples to former US President Donald Trump, Lin clarified:
“Those were gem ores purchased locally by staff. The reports trying to create rifts between China and Pakistan are baseless.”
China’s new export measures on rare earths, effective November 8, are “legitimate actions” under Chinese law. Lin said they aim to protect regional stability and global peace.
He reaffirmed that China and Pakistan remain “all-weather strategic partners”, emphasizing that their friendship has stood the test of time.
