China Says Pakistan Vows US Minerals Deal Won't Harm Ties

China announced Monday that Pakistan has provided assurances its mineral sector cooperation with the United States will not compromise Beijing's interests or their strategic partnership. The diplomatic communication addresses concerns following last month's memorandum of understanding between Pakistani and American entities on critical minerals development.

"China and Pakistan have communicated on the issue of Pakistan-US mineral cooperation," Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian stated during a press conference in Beijing. He confirmed that "the Pakistani side stressed its engagement with the US would never undermine China's interests and China-Pakistan cooperation."

The diplomatic exchange follows the signing of a memorandum last month between Pakistan's Frontier Works Organization and Missouri-based US Strategic Metals (USSM). The American company specializes in producing and recycling critical minerals identified as essential for manufacturing and energy production by the US Energy Department.

Beijing's statement coincides with China's expanded restrictions on rare earth exports, including limitations on processing technologies and requirements for government authorization before foreign cooperation. Lin clarified these measures "have nothing to do with Pakistan," describing them as "a legitimate step taken by the Chinese government in accordance with the laws and regulations."

China and Pakistan maintain what both describe as an "all-weather strategic cooperative partnership," with bilateral trade reaching over $23 billion last year. Meanwhile, the United States remains Pakistan's largest export destination, with approximately $7.2 billion in bilateral trade. Lin emphasized the "ironclad friendship" between China and Pakistan has "stood the test of time" with "high level of strategic mutual trust."