China's administering of export control over certain rare earth items follows international practice and reflects the country's consistent commitment to maintaining world peace and regional stability, and participating in global non-proliferation efforts, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Friday.
Guo Jiakun, the spokesman, made the statement at a press conference in Beijing in response to a query regarding China's initiation of new rare earth export licensing procedures.
"We would like to stress that medium and heavy rare earths and other items have dual-use attributes for both military and civilian purposes, and that exercising export control over such items is an international common practice, which reflects China's consistent position of firmly safeguarding world peace and regional stability, as well as actively participating in international non-proliferation efforts," Guo said.
"China's administering of export control over the relevant rare earth items in accordance with law and regulations is not directed at any specific country. As long as an export application is compliant and is intended for civilian use, the Chinese government will approve it in a timely manner. China is willing to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with relevant other countries and regions to jointly maintain stability of global industrial and supply chains," said the spokesman.
China's administering of export control over rare earth items follows international practice: spokesman
