The Ministry of Commerce of China File photo: VCG

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) on Thursday reiterated that China's export controls on rare earths are in line with international practice, and China is willing to further strengthen communication and dialogue on the issue with relevant countries.

MOFCOM Spokesperson He Yadong made the remarks at a press briefing, during which 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-earth exports, and asked whether China would open such green channels for other countries.

"We have stressed many times before that rare earth-related items have dual-use attributes, and that imposing export controls on them is in line with international practice," He said, adding that China is willing to further strengthen communication and dialogue with relevant countries on export controls to promote convenient and compliant trade. 

Responding to a separate question about how many rare-earth export licenses China plans to approve this week, the MOFCOM spokesperson said that as a responsible major country, China fully considers the reasonable demands and concerns of other countries in civilian applications.

China reviews export license applications for rare-earth-related items in accordance with laws and regulations, has already approved a certain number of compliant applications, and will continue to strengthen the approval process for compliant applications, He added.

Previously, a spokesperson for the MOFCOM announced on Saturday that China had approved a certain number of export license applications for rare earth-related items, considering rising global demand for medium and heavy rare earth elements driven by industries such as robotics and new-energy vehicles.

The spokesperson on Saturday emphasized that China's export controls aim to better safeguard national security and interests and fulfill international obligations of non-proliferation, which reflects China's commitment to world peace and regional stability.

Recently, some countries have reportedly pursued talks with China on rare earths supplies. 

Also on Thursday, at a press briefing of the Chinese Foreign Ministry (FM), a reporter from the Press Trust of India noted that China is in talks with different sides, including the US and EU over the rare earth metals, and India has reportedly taken it up with China in this regard. The reporter asked whether China is looking at or is holding talks with India on lifting the restrictions on the rare-earth metals.

In response, Lin Jian, an FM spokesperson, referred the question to competent Chinese authorities. But he added that "we are willing to enhance dialogue and cooperation with relevant countries and regions to jointly keep the global industrial and supply chains stable."

Wu Chenhui, an independent analyst who closely follows the critical minerals industry, said that China conducts reviews of export license applications for rare earths and related materials in accordance with laws, regulations, and international norms. 

As a responsible global player, China takes into account the reasonable demands and concerns of other countries during the review process, Wu told the Global Times on Thursday, pointing to recent approvals granted to some companies. 

Some domestic rare-earth companies have reportedly obtained export licenses issued by the national authorities. For example, Chinese rare-earth conglomerate JL MAG Rare-Earth Co said on Wednesday that it had obtained export licenses issued by national authorities for exports to destinations including the US, Europe and Southeast Asia.

China is the world's largest producer of rare earths, accounting for more than 80 percent of global annual output, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

China exported 5,864.6 tons of rare earths in May, a 23-percent increase from April. From January to May, total exports rose 2.3 percent year-on-year to 24,827 tons, according to data released by the General Administration of Customs.