Ministry Defends Rare Earths Export Policies

(Beijing) – China does not intend to distort trade and use protectionist measures regarding its domestic industries, the Ministry of Commerce said on March 13.

It was responding to protests by major foreign countries regarding China's export controls for so-called rare earth minerals, which are crucial for the production of components in a variety of high-tech products. Earlier in the day, the United States, European Union and Japan lodged coordinated complaints with the World Trade Organization (WTO), asking for consultation with China over the issue. The request for consultation is the first step in a WTO complaint.