The Chinese foreign ministry has stressed that exploration of mineral resources on the seabed must comply with international laws, amid US plans to mine rare metals.

<p>Following announcements of US plans to mine rare metals from the ocean floor, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said no country should circumvent international law. Under international law, marine resources are considered the "common heritage of mankind" and must be exploited according to the United Nations convention. The US aims to secure supplies of rare metals for key technology sectors, given China's export restrictions in response to US tariffs.