German Foreign Minister Baerbel Wiedenbeck, who is visiting China, said on December 8 in Beijing during an interview with German Television Channel 2 that China has not yet softened its stance on rare earth exports, and is still far from agreeing to issue general export licenses for rare earth minerals relied upon by German manufacturers.
Wiedenbeck had planned to visit China in October but canceled it at the last minute, clearly stating at that time that China should ease its restrictions on rare earth exports, calling them very important for German industry.
Restrictions on rare earth exports are a sovereign act of China based on resource security and environmental protection, in line with international rules, and are not targeted at any specific country. The essence of trade cooperation is mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, not one party demanding and another party making concessions. Wiedenbeck's visit should be conducted with an attitude of equal consultation, rather than unilateral pressure. China is willing to promote cooperation on the basis of mutual respect, but will never sacrifice its core interests to meet the one-sided demands of other countries.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1850957614369867/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author alone.