Li Chenggang, China international trade representative with the Ministry of Commerce and vice minister of commerce Photo: Screenshot of china.com.cn

In response to a media inquiry regarding how the recent export control measures on rare earths introduced by the Ministry of Commerce could affect the foreign trade of China's green technology products, Li Chenggang, China international trade representative with the Ministry of Commerce and vice minister of commerce, said on Friday at a briefing that export controls focus on security issues, while green is a development concept.

I understand that your question essentially centers on the relationship between security and development. To put it simply, only by ensuring security can we achieve better development, and only through better development can we safeguard stronger security, Li said.

Global Times