The future of warfare is being powered by a quiet revolution in energy technology, and China has positioned itself at the forefront of this paradigm shift with a new tactic: combining cutting-edge solid-state battery research with strategic export controls on critical battery materials and technology set to take effect next month.
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China has reported a series of developments in solid-state battery technology, detailed in major research papers published since last month.
These advancements include technologies that push the energy density of batteries to 600 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg) and enable batteries to maintain high capacity after numerous charge-discharge cycles, with some claiming potential for mass production within the next five years.
Coinciding with these developments, China’s Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs announced export controls on lithium batteries and related materials last Thursday.
The controls, set to take effect on November 8, cover lithium-ion batteries with an energy density of at least 300Wh/kg, key battery production equipment, and critical materials including certain cathode and anode materials.
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Analysts suggested that the controls were intended to consolidate China’s advantage in the lithium battery industry and slow the progress of competitors. The move is also a response to the growing strategic importance of high-performance batteries for military use.