South Korea's industry ministry said Wednesday it will monitor and respond to any possible impact from China's export restrictions on strategic minerals in an apparent retaliatory measure against the United States' recent tariff imposition.

China announced sweeping export controls on Tuesday targeting five metals used across defence, clean energy and other industries, minutes after an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods imposed by U.S.

In a separate move on Tuesday, China’s Commerce Ministry said that it would tighten control of exports of tungsten, tellurium, bismuth, molybdenum and indium products. The controls didn’t single out exports to any particular country.

The first tour is set to take place Feb. 12 to 18, when major celebrations are planned for the birthday of the country's late leader Kim Jong Il, one of North Korea's biggest holidays.

February 16, known as the "Day of the Shining Star" in North Korea, commemorates the birthday of Kim Jong Il, who died in 2011. The day is celebrated with large-scale public gatherings, military parades, and national festivities across the country.