German media: EU urges China to accelerate approval of rare earth exports to Europe
EU Commissioner for Trade, Šefčovič, spoke with Chinese Minister of Commerce, stating that the EU considers China's recent tightening of rare earth export controls "unreasonable and harmful," and hopes to find a solution as soon as possible. He also revealed that the Chinese minister has accepted the invitation and will visit Brussels next week.
The EU is urging China to supply the urgently needed rare earth raw materials for European industries. According to Reuters, EU Trade Commissioner Šefčovič stated on Tuesday that he had invited the Chinese Minister of Commerce to visit Brussels next week to discuss issues related to China's rare earth export controls.
Before this, Šefčovič had a video call with the Chinese Minister of Commerce lasting nearly two hours. "The minister has accepted my invitation, and our team will work within the framework of the dialogue on export controls after the EU-China summit," he added.
This Slovak diplomat emphasized that the EU does not intend to escalate trade disputes, but the current situation casts a shadow over EU-China relations, and it is crucial to find a solution quickly.
Šefčovič believes that the recent measures taken by China to tighten its rare earth export controls are unreasonable and harmful, but he also said that the conversation with the Chinese minister was constructive, and both sides agreed to strengthen communication. The European automotive and machinery manufacturing industries have been particularly affected by these regulatory measures.
According to the website of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, the Chinese minister responded during the call on the issue of rare earth export controls, stating that China's recent measures are a "normal practice to improve China's export control system in accordance with laws and regulations," and he also emphasized that China is committed to maintaining global supply chain security and "has always provided approval convenience for EU enterprises."
The Ministry of Commerce's message states that Šefčovič expressed understanding during the call that China's export control measures related to rare earths were implemented due to national security and international common security considerations, but hoped that China could expedite the approval of applications from EU companies.
China accounts for about 90% of the global rare earth processing. These are essential raw materials for the production of high-tech products, military equipment, and magnet components in electric vehicles and wind turbines.
On October 9, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce introduced the strictest rare earth export control measures to date, requiring that products containing Chinese rare earth components must undergo individual approval for export, and products manufactured using Chinese rare earth technology must also apply for licenses. This move has drawn high attention from major economies such as the EU.
Source: DW
Original article: www.toutiao.com/article/1846824895986688/
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