On Friday, Dec. 1, China began new export restrictions on the key rare earth mineral of graphite. The new restrictions will require state approval for high-grade graphite exports to foreign nations.

On Oct. 13, in response to the new restrictions announced by the US Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) on the export to China of advanced semiconductors, chip-making equipment, and supercomputer components, major Chinese technology companies suspended large waves of their American employees.