China's Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yongqian Photo: Yin Yeping/GT

"As a responsible major country, China has consistently and actively fulfilled its international non-proliferation obligations. In accordance with laws and regulations, it has imposed controls on all dual-use items, prohibiting exports to Japan for military end-users, military purposes, or any end-use that contributes to enhancing Japan's military capabilities. The aim is to curb re-militarization and nuclear ambitions, and the measures are fully justified, reasonable and lawful," He Yongqian, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), said on a Thursday press conference, in response to media questions regarding whether the reportedly measures - Japanese company importing the rare earth from China was asked to submit extra documents which shows overall pictures of the supply chain - were instructed by MOFCOM, and regarding export controls on dual use items what specific measures are being instructed to Chinese exporters.

These measures, aimed at preventing militarization and nuclear ambitions, are fully justified, reasonable and lawful. At the same time, China remains committed to safeguarding the stability and security of global industrial and supply chains, with export control application and review procedures conducted strictly in line with the law, according to He, adding that in this regard, MOFCOM reiterates that export applications meeting the requirements—such as ensuring civilian end use—will be approved.

Global Times