Rare earth exports have never been and should not become an issue between China and Europe, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday during a joint press conference with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Berlin.
Responding to a question about European companies' concerns over China's rare earth export controls, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, emphasized that it is a sovereign right and international responsibility for any country to impose necessary regulations on dual-use items -- goods that can serve both civilian and military purposes.
China's policy is consistent with international practices, and contributes to safeguarding global peace and stability, Wang said.
He highlighted that as long as export control regulations are followed and the proper procedures are completed, the normal demands of European enterprises will be met.
Wang noted that Chinese authorities have also established a "fast track" mechanism to facilitate exports to European companies.
Certain forces are deliberately hyping this matter between China and Europe with ulterior motives, Wang stressed.
The Chinese foreign minister is paying a visit to Europe, including the European Union (EU) headquarters in Brussels, Germany and France, from June 30 to July 6.
China reassures Europe on rare earth supply amid export controls
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned on Sunday that Tehran would view the United States and Israel's military bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" should Washington take military action against Iran.
At a parliamentary session convened to review an emergency proposal on assembly regulations, Qalibaf emphasized that, at this highly sensitive juncture, Iran must accurately and thoroughly identify the schemes of its adversaries.
Qalibaf said that Iran is currently confronting Israel and the United States simultaneously on four fronts: economic, cognitive, military, and counterterrorism. Of them, the economic warfare and the cognitive and psychological warfare began many years ago and have persisted to this day, growing increasingly complex and intense in recent years.
The remarks came as U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran, taking advantage of its nationwide unrest.
Protests have erupted in several Iranian cities since late December over the sharp fall of the rial and long-standing economic hardship. Iranian authorities have acknowledged the demonstrations and voiced willingness to address economic grievances, while warning against violence and vandalism.
Amid the ongoing protests, deadly clashes have been reported lately between police and what the government described as "rioters." However, no official death toll has been released.
Also on Sunday, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will address the country's economic situation and political environment in a televised interview later that day.
Iran swears to counterattack if attacked
