Rare earth exports should never come between us, China’s Wang Yi tells Europe

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.