China Detains Two Japanese Nationals Over Rare Earth Smuggling
China detained two Japanese nationals in May in Dalian. Dalian is a city in northeastern China.
They were held on suspicion of smuggling rare earths. Rare earths are materials used in electronics and military equipment.
The two were detained on separate dates. Both reportedly work for a Chinese branch of a major Japanese machinery company.
China's foreign ministry said the detentions followed Chinese law. The arrests came during a period of tension between China and Japan.
Relations got worse after Japan's Prime Minister made comments about Taiwan. After that China restricted rare earth exports to Japan.
Klear Note — Rare earths are materials needed for phones, computers, and weapons. China controls most of the world's rare earth supply. Tensions between China and Japan have increased recently.
Key Terms 3
- rare earths Special minerals used in electronics, batteries and military equipment
- smuggling Moving goods illegally across a border without permission
- Dalian A large port city in northeastern China