<h1>Nation defends export controls on rare earths and lithium-battery tech; trading partner threatens 100% tariffs and wider curbs</h1> A country defended new export controls on rare earths, lithium-battery and related processing technologies as lawful measures to protect peace, non-proliferation and supply-chain security, saying controls cover overseas technology transfers, are not total bans and licenses will be issued for eligible humanitarian uses. The measures follow concerns over military end-use of domestically sourced materials and were notified through bilateral export-control dialogues. In response, the main trading partner threatened 100% tariffs and broader export curbs on critical software, prompting warnings of 'resolute measures' if tariffs proceed and criticism that the partner is abusing national-security controls and undermining ongoing trade consultations.