Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has downplayed EU concerns over restrictions on rare earth exports and offered assurances that the needs of European companies will be met if they adhere to proper application procedures.
Controlling dual-use goods was a sovereign right and an international responsibility for all nations, Wang said during a news conference with his German counterpart in Berlin on Thursday. He was responding to a question about European companies’ unease over Beijing’s export controls.
“Rare earth exports have never been – and should never become – an issue between China and Europe,” he said, speaking while on a tour that aims to pave the way for a China-EU summit later this month.
“As long as export control regulations are followed and due procedures fulfilled, the normal needs of European enterprises will be guaranteed.”
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China’s policies were in line with international norms and also helped maintain world peace and stability, the top diplomat said, adding that “those who are deliberately hyping the issue” between China and Europe had hidden agendas.
Wang said Chinese authorities had created a “fast-track channel” for European companies.
Last week, China’s Ministry of Commerce said the country had been accelerating its review of rare earth export licence applications and had already approved a number of them.
Ministry spokesman He Yadong said China would further strengthen the review and approval process for such applications and was willing to improve communication and dialogue with relevant countries on export controls while actively allowing compliant trade.
He’s remarks came weeks after the European Union urged China to ease export controls imposed on seven rare earth minerals, which were introduced amid the trade dispute with the United States and had triggered supply chain turmoil, particularly in the car industry.
In a meeting with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao last month, EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic said the issue was a “priority”.
“I informed my Chinese counterpart about the alarming situation in the European car industry, but I would say industries as such because clearly rare earths and permanent magnets are absolutely essential for industrial production,” Sefcovic said at the time.
The EU trade chief also proposed transitioning from the current case-by-case licensing system to an annual bulk approval mechanism for companies, which could reduce bureaucratic delays and ease pressure on affected industries, Sefcovic said.
During their meeting on Thursday, Wang Yi and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul also discussed key global issues, including the Ukraine conflict, Iran’s nuclear programme and the Middle East situation.
The two sides pledged to maintain close communication, improve coordination and push for ceasefires, de-escalation and peaceful conflict resolution, according to a Chinese foreign ministry statement.
Wang further urged Germany to uphold its commitment to multilateralism and take a leading role in advancing international cooperation.
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“This year marks the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations. China looks forward to hosting a series of high-level engagements, including the China-EU summit,” Wang said.
“We hope Germany will play an active role within the EU to promote stronger coordination and deeper cooperation between China and Europe, jointly contributing to global governance.”
He said that the more complex the international landscape became, the more essential it was for major countries to improve coordination.
“The greater the risks and challenges we face, the more imperative it is for nations to strengthen cooperation.”