China reassures Europe on rare earth supply amid export controls

BERLIN -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that rare earth exports have never been and should not become an issue between China and Europe.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a joint press conference with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Berlin.

Responding to a question about European companies' concerns over China's rare earth export controls, Wang emphasized that it is a sovereign right and international responsibility for any country to impose necessary regulations on dual-use items?— goods that can serve both civilian and military purposes.

China's policy is consistent with international practices, and contributes to safeguarding global peace and stability, Wang said.

He highlighted that as long as export control regulations are followed and the proper procedures are completed, the normal demands of European enterprises will be met.

Wang noted that Chinese authorities have also established a "fast track" mechanism to facilitate exports to European companies.

Certain forces are deliberately hyping this matter between China and Europe with ulterior motives, Wang stressed.