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

When asked on Thursday to comment on recent attempts by some self-media outlets to link China's export controls on rare earths with challenges faced by specific manufacturing industries, Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yadong said, China has always placed high importance on maintaining the stability and security of global industrial and supply chains.

"In accordance with laws and regulations, we have continuously expedited the review of export license applications for rare earth-related products and have already approved a certain number of compliant applications as warranted. We will continue to strengthen the approval of compliant applications," He told a regular press briefing. 

China is willing to further enhance communication and dialogue with relevant countries on export controls and actively promote the facilitation of compliant trade, He said.

Global Times