BEIJING: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that rare earth exports have never been and should not become an issue between China and Europe.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a 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 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.
On Ukraine crisis
Regarding the Ukraine crisis, Wang said China has consistently advocated for peace talks to solve the crisis and welcomes the efforts of all parties to reach a comprehensive, lasting and binding peace agreement.
Wang said China’s position on the Ukraine crisis has been open and consistent, and includes peace talks, not providing lethal weapons to the parties in the conflict, and controling the export of (civilian/military) dual-use items, including drones strictly.
China has not only fulfilled its international responsibilities but also initiated the “Friends of Peace” group with Brazil and other Global South countries at the United Nations, mobilizing greater efforts for a ceasefire and ending the conflict, Wang said, adding that China’s objective and fair position has been widely recognized by the international community.
Although there are still major differences in the positions of the parties concerned, it is better to talk than to fight, he said.
The history of Europe over the past centuries has proved that no matter how complex and difficult the situation is, the door to peace and reconciliation should not be closed, Wang said.
China welcomes all parties to play a constructive role in promoting the conclusion of a comprehensive, lasting and binding peace agreement, building a balanced, effective and sustainable European security architecture, and achieving enduring peace and stability in Europe at an early date, Wang added.
On 50 years of China-EU ties
Noting that this year mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the European Union (EU), Wang said the positioning of China-EU relations should be that of partnership, the mainstream tone should be cooperation, the key value should be independence, and the development prospects should be win-win.
Stressing that China-EU ties will only move forward, he said China’s policy toward the EU remains stable and continuous. “We support European integration and its strategic autonomy,” he said, adding that China supports Europe in becoming an important pole in a multipolar world.
Wang said China is accelerating its high-level opening up and creating a more market-oriented, law-based and internationalized business environment.
On global and regional conflicts, China insists on a political solution through dialogue and consultation, opposes the use of force and unilateral sanctions, and adheres to the principle of non-interference in others’ internal affairs, safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, especially small and medium-sized countries, said the Chinese foreign minister.
China is willing to share opportunities with all countries, including European countries that hope to cooperate with China, to jointly build a community with a shared future for mankind, he added.
