China is now limiting exports of minerals that are critical to weapons making in the U.S.
China has placed new restrictions on exports of certain minerals including antimony, which is used in ammunition, infrared missiles, nuclear weapons and even night vision goggles. Antimony is seen as a vital mineral for the U.S. defense industry.
The limits were also placed on products like Antimony ore, antimony metals and antimony oxide.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, China accounted for 63% of US imports of antimony metal and oxide last year. This move by them could result in prices going way up in the defense sector.
Former U.S. Ambassador to NATO Kurt Volker told Fox News recently that China wants everything to revolve around itself.
"China is the big concern," he said. "It wants to replace the United States."
In a statement from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, they said the material is being restricted "in order to safeguard national security and interests, and fulfill international obligations such as non-proliferation."
Antimony prices are expected to rise even more thanks to the export controls. The price has nearly doubled to $22,750 per ton this year.
Over the past year and a half, China has also banned the export of of technology to make rare earth magnets and put export controls on gallium, germanium and graphite.