EU, China Agree to Discuss Rare Earth Export Controls
EU and Chinese officials are planning to meet in Brussels in the “coming days” to discuss China’s new export controls over rare earths 2510090021), said Maros Sefcovic, the EU’s trade and economic security commissioner, in an Oct. 21 social media post. Sefcovic said Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao will travel to Europe, and the EU hopes to “find urgent solutions on export controls.”
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China’s Commerce Ministry also said the two sides agreed to hold an export control dialogue in Brussels "as soon as possible,” according to an unofficial translation. The ministry said Wang and Sefcovic discussed the issue Oct. 21, and Wang explained that the controls “are a normal step in improving its export control system in accordance with laws and regulations, demonstrating China's responsibility as a major country in maintaining world peace and stability.”
In addition, Wang told Sefcovic that China has previously approved export license applications submitted by European companies. “China is committed to maintaining the security and stability of the global production and supply chain and has consistently provided approval facilitation for EU companies,” he said, according to the Chinese readout. Sefcovic told Wang that the EU “hopes that China can expedite the review of applications" from European firms, the readout said.