Beijing ordered companies around the world not to allow critical minerals mined in China to reach the U.S., while deepening its efforts to replace imports with domestic products.

Faltering U.S. industrial leadership has allowed China to take a harder trade stance as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office.

The move escalates supply chain warfare and comes a day after the Biden administration expanded curbs on the sale of advanced American technology to China.

State-controlled companies now run an industry once known for its acid pits, radioactive waste and smugglers.

Already the dominant producer of rare minerals, Beijing is using export restrictions and its power over state-owned companies to further control access.