China signals readiness on rare earth talks, approves more exports
Beijing says it is ‘willing to enhance communication’ on strategic minerals, which have taken centre stage in US-China trade negotiations
In a statement posted on its official website on Saturday, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said: “We have observed growing global demand for medium and heavy rare earths in civilian sectors such as robotics and new energy vehicles, as these industries continue to expand.”
It added that, as “a responsible major power”, China had taken the legitimate civilian needs of other countries into account, approved qualified export applications in line with the law, and would continue strengthening its compliance review process.
“China is willing to enhance communication and dialogue with relevant countries on export controls in order to facilitate compliant trade,” the statement read.
China’s rare earth export controls are expected to be among the top items on the agenda when Vice-Premier He Lifeng meets US trade and Treasury officials in London this week, a month after he led the Chinese side in negotiations held in Geneva in May.