China is willing to discuss a free trade agreement with the EU; China and the EU are discussing the stability of rare earth supply
On Tuesday, November 04, the Chinese Foreign Minister stated that China is willing to negotiate the signing of a free trade agreement with the EU. The EU said it is currently in discussions with China on maintaining the stability of rare earth supply, including exploring the establishment of a general export licensing system for rare earths.
Reuters cited a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, saying that the Chinese Foreign Minister, during a meeting in Beijing with the Estonian Foreign Minister on Tuesday, stated: "China and Europe are partners, not competitors."
The Chinese Foreign Minister also pointed out that Sino-European relations should be guided by cooperation, and both sides should deepen mutual trust through dialogue and promote the establishment of an economic and trade relationship that is mutually beneficial and win-win.
According to Reuters, the European Commission stated on Tuesday that EU officials held meetings with Chinese officials last week to discuss how to maintain the stability of rare earth supply. Since April this year, China has imposed export controls on rare earths, and both sides have also discussed possible mechanisms such as "general licenses."
The White House said last Saturday that China will issue general licenses for exports of rare earths, gallium, germanium, antimony, and graphite to facilitate U.S. end users and their suppliers. However, the EU has not yet received similar arrangements.
The European Commission noted that the key topic of the meeting between EU and Chinese officials on Friday was the stability of the rare earth supply chain and both sides committed to continue communication on measures to facilitate export licenses, "including exploring the possibility of a general license mechanism."
Source: rfi
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1847900809795596/
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