<h1>Government Rejects Link Between New Rare-Earth Export Controls and Alleged Gift, Calls Claims Speculative and Destabilizing</h1> One government denied that its new restrictions on exports of rare-earth minerals and related technologies were linked to a reported gift of minerals from a partner country to the leader of a third country, saying the gift consisted of gem ores and that claims otherwise are speculative and intended to sow discord. The government framed the export controls as lawful measures to prevent foreign misuse, protect security and meet non-proliferation obligations. The controls have provoked threats of tariffs from the third country; the denying government emphasized continued strategic cooperation and communication with its partner.