The government has proposed adding various technologies- some used for lithium refining and battery chemicals production — to its list of items that are subject to export controls, according to a notice seeking public opinion from the Ministry of Commerce on Thursday.

IC exports stood at just 559 billion yuan in 2018 when the US initiated its tech war against China. The surge in exports comes as Joe Biden's administration on Dec 23 launched a trade probe into China's legacy chips, which could lead to higher tariffs or import bans. China has voiced strong opposition to Washington's move.

China is planning to impose new export restrictions on technologies technologies related to lithium, gallium, and battery cathode production, crucial components for EV battery and semiconductor manufacturing.

China hopes it's found its leverage in the tech war with Washington. The country holds a dominant position in the processing of critical minerals like gallium and lithium. Chinese companies like battery giant CATL have also emerged as key suppliers to automakers around the world.

Beijing is planning to curb the export of technology used to extract minerals critical for the growth of the global electric vehicle (EV) industry, as a tech rivalry with Washington escalates ahead of the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump later this month.

China's Ministry of Commerce is taking comment on a plan that would extend export restrictions to technology tied to the production of electric vehicle