Ministry of Commerce: Implementing export controls on rare earths is in line with international common practices, and a certain number of compliant applications have been approved in accordance with the law

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce answered questions from reporters on export control measures for medium-heavy rare earth.

Q: Recently, many countries have expressed concerns about China's export control measures for rare earths. What measures will China take to address these concerns?

A: Rare earth-related items have both military and civilian applications, and implementing export controls on them is in line with international common practices. China implements export controls on rare earth-related items in accordance with the law, aiming to better safeguard national security and interests, fulfill international obligations such as non-proliferation, and embody its consistent stance of upholding world peace and regional stability.

We have also noticed that with the development of industries such as robotics and new energy vehicles (NEVs), the demand for medium-heavy rare earth in civilian applications is growing in various countries. As a responsible major country, China fully considers the reasonable demands and concerns of various countries in civilian applications, reviews applications for export licenses of rare earth-related items in accordance with laws and regulations, has approved a certain number of compliant applications in accordance with the law, and will continue to strengthen the review of compliant applications. China is willing to further strengthen communication and dialogue on export controls with relevant countries to facilitate compliant trade.