By Zhong Sheng, People’s Daily
Recent concerns have been raised by certain nations regarding China’s export control measures on certain rare earth-related items. It is important to clarify that all parties should approach these measures with reason and objectivity, respect China’s legitimate rights in managing its national resources, and work together to uphold the international economic and trade order, as well as international peace and security.
The primary objective of these measures is to safeguard national security and fulfill China’s international non-proliferation obligations. Rare earth-related items have dual-use attributes for both military and civilian purposes, and imposing export controls on such items is in line with international practice, with the aim to better safeguard national security and interests and fulfill non-proliferation and other international obligations. The move reflects China’s commitment to world peace and regional stability.
Natural resources are the basis of human survival and development, also critical in maintaining peace and stability among nations. As a non-renewable strategic resource, rare earth elements are often referred to as the “vitamins” of modern industry. Their exceptional physical and chemical properties – such as magnetism, luminescence, electrical conductivity, and catalytic functions – make them indispensable for enhancing the performance of advanced materials in areas such as light, heat, electricity, and magnetism. They serve as critical raw materials for strategic industries, including advanced weaponry, aerospace components, wind power, new energy vehicles, robotics, and intelligent manufacturing. It is an indisputable right and responsibility of all countries to protect, utilize, and manage their own natural resources in a rational manner.
China has consistently upheld the principles of openness, coordination, and shared development in its rare earth industry. Beyond fulfilling domestic demands for economic and social development, China has actively contributed to reliable global rare earth supplies and world economic growth by forging robust international partnerships.
In recent years, China has introduced a range of policy measures to promote sustainable and sound development of its rare earth industry, including the establishment of market access standards, industry consolidation, and environmental protection. The regulations on rare earth administration, which took effect in October 2024, are designed to promote the high-quality development of the rare earth industry while ensuring high-level security.
China has always rigorously fulfilled its international non-proliferation obligations and responsibilities and remains committed to safeguarding international peace and security. The fundamental purpose of China’s export control measures on certain rare earth-related items is to ensure that such resources are used for legitimate and peaceful purposes, without targeting specific countries.
By ensuring that relevant items are not used for military purposes or in sensitive fields, China demonstrates its strong commitment to safeguarding world peace and security as a responsible major country, serving the common interests of international security governance.
China remains committed to high-level opening-up and attaches great importance to economic and trade cooperation with countries and regions around the world. It recognizes the rising global demand for medium and heavy rare earth elements in civilian sectors driven by industries such as robotics and new energy vehicles. Taking into account the legitimate needs and concerns of all parties in civilian applications, China reviews export applications for rare earth-related items in accordance with law and is ready to enhance communication and dialogue on export controls with relevant countries and regions to facilitate compliant trade.
China has approved a certain number of export license applications for rare earth-related items in accordance with law and will continue enhancing the approval process. Experience has shown that as long as companies comply with legal requirements and are not engaged in activities that undermine China’s national sovereignty, security, or development interests, export control measures will not affect their normal business operations and trade activities, let alone the stability and security of international industrial and supply chains.
China’s export control measures should not be mischaracterized as a “blockade” or an act of “confrontation.” Rather, they are intended to ensure the effective protection and rational utilization of rare earth resources.
China stands ready to work with all parties, on the basis of mutual respect for core interests and adherence to international rules, to build a global industrial and supply chain system that is secure and stable, smooth, efficient, open, inclusive, and mutually beneficial. Such collaboration will inject greater certainty and positive momentum into world peace and prosperity.
Building upon mutual respect for core interests and adherence to international rules, China is prepared to collaborate with all parties to construct a global industrial and supply chain system that is secure, stable, smooth, efficient, open, inclusive, and mutually beneficial. Such cooperation will inject certainty and momentum into fostering global peace and shared prosperity.
(Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People’s Daily to express its views on foreign policy and international affairs.)
