Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yadong at a regular press conference in Beijing Photo: Yin Yeping/GT

At a press briefing of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) on Thursday, a reporter noted that China's Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao had assured the EU side that China is willing to establish a green channel for eligible applications and expedite the approval process for rare earths exports, and asked whether China would open such green channels for other countries. 

In response, MOFCOM spokesperson He Yadong reiterated that rare earth-related items have dual-use properties, and that imposing export controls on them is in line with international practice. "China is willing to further strengthen communication and dialogue on export controls with relevant countries to promote convenient and compliant trade," He said. 

Global Times