By South China Morning Post | Created at 2026-08-12 15:23:49 | Updated at 2026-08-12 17:49:04
2 hours ago
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 30,000 yuan (US$4,200) for each workshop, covering expenses including meetings, accommodation and domestic travel, while the Iran National Science Foundation will help with international travel for Iranian participants and accommodation for Chinese researchers visiting Iran, the NSFC said.
The cooperation comes at a particularly sensitive time, with the US-Israel war on Iran unresolved.
Rare earths – a group of 17 metals with unusual magnetic and electronic properties – are critical to modern weapons, from missiles and fighter jets to radar and other electronic systems.
What are rare earths, and why is China’s dominance facing global pushback
Earlier this month, Reuters reported that the United States had used “virtually all” of its long-range precision missiles during the five-month conflict.
