1st LD: China reassures Europe on rare earth supply amid export controls

BERLIN, July 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that rare earth exports have never been and should not become an issue between China and Europe.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a joint press conference with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Berlin.

Responding to a question about European companies' concerns over China's rare earth export controls, Wang emphasized that it is a sovereign right and international responsibility for any country to impose necessary regulations on dual-use items -- goods that can serve both civilian and military purposes.

"China's policy is consistent with international practices, and contributes to safeguarding global peace and stability," Wang said. Enditem