China is stepping up controls over the export of strategic minerals across all aspects of the production and supply chain to prevent the illegal outflow of these crucial resources, according to a spokesperson from the Ministry of Commerce. This move comes in the wake of the country's ongoing efforts to crack down on the smuggling and illegal export of strategic mineral resources.

"The regulation of strategic minerals must start from the source, with strengthened control over the entire chain, including mining, smelting, processing, transportation, manufacturing, sales and export, in order to effectively prevent the illegal outflow of strategic minerals," the spokesperson said.

Both central and local authorities have been assigned the responsibility of improving traceability systems and establishing regular management mechanisms. These measures are aimed at ensuring strict supervision at every link of the process, thereby safeguarding the nation's strategic mineral resources and maintaining their sustainable utilization.