China rejected on Wednesday the European Union's accusations that its controls on rare metal exports are "unjustified," asserting that these measures align with international laws and commitments related to the protection of global security and peace.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, stated that China's decision regarding rare metals aims to enhance the protection of global peace and ensure regional stability, in addition to fulfilling its international commitments related to non-proliferation and environmental protection.
Lin clarified that China is ready to intensify dialogue with international partners on this sensitive issue, emphasizing that the goal is to ensure the security and stability of global supply chains, especially as international reliance on rare metals in technological industries and clean energy increases.
He added that China, being the largest supplier of rare metals in the world, carries significant responsibility in managing these strategic resources, pointing out that some countries seek to politicize rare metal trade issues and use them as a means of economic pressure.
Lin also commented on the recent decision by the Dutch government to seize the company "Nexperia," a Chinese firm involved in manufacturing electronic chips in the Netherlands. He stated that China "strongly opposes the excessive use of the national security concept and discriminatory practices targeting specific countries or companies," describing the decision as a move that "lacks fairness and undermines mutual trust in the global economy."
He noted that China will continue to defend the rights of its companies and work on fostering more balanced partnerships in the rare metals market, considering that stability in this sector is essential for maintaining vital supply chains in technology, automotive, and clean energy fields.
