China is sending scientists to Iran for rare earth ‘exploration and processing’

AI Summary

China is increasing scientific cooperation with Iran focusing on rare earth element exploration and processing technologies. The collaboration aims to enhance strategic capabilities while protecting technology sensitive to overseas transfer.

China is expanding its scientific collaboration with Iran into the strategically sensitive field of rare earths, including processing technologies that Beijing has increasingly sought to protect from overseas transfer. The National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) unveiled the latest joint workshop programme with its Iranian counterpart on Monday, listing the “exploration and processing of rare earth elements” among five areas selected for cooperation. The Chinese side will provide...