Chinese Authorities Question Metals Bosses in Smuggling Probe

Chinese authorities have questioned the heads of some of the country’s leading metals merchants and producers as part of an intensifying effort to crack down on critical-minerals smuggling, according to people familiar with the situation.

Companies involved in producing and trading minor and strategic metals with military and high—tech applications have been among those called in, the people said. They asked not to be named as the matter is sensitive.