China's export controls on rare-earth materials show determination to safeguard national security: industry group

The China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association (CNIA) voiced strong support on Sunday for the country's recent decision to strengthen export controls on rare-earth materials, saying that the move demonstrated the country's determination to safeguard national security and Chinese rare-earth enterprises will strictly comply with the measures.

Rare earth-related items have dual civilian and military applications, and the Chinese government's move is in line with international practices, reflecting the country's firm commitment to safeguarding global peace and security, according to a statement posted on the association's official WeChat account.

In a joint announcement, China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and the General Administration of Customs on Friday unveiled export control measures on certain items related to seven types of medium and heavy rare earths, per a notice issued on the MOFCOM's official website.

The measures, which took effect immediately, aim to better safeguard national security and interests and fulfill non-proliferation and other international obligations, a MOFCOM spokesperson said in response to a media inquiry on the same day.

The association emphasized in Sunday's statement that these export controls will not affect normal business operations or trade, nor will they disrupt the stability and security of international industrial and supply chains, so long as no parties engage in actions that undermine China's national sovereignty, security or development interests. 

Rare earths are hailed as "industrial vitamins," serving as critical raw material support for strategic industries, including advanced weaponry, aerospace components, wind power generation, new-energy vehicles, robotics and intelligent manufacturing, the CNIA said in the post.

China is the world's largest producer and exporter of rare earths, and over the past three decades, its rare-earth sector has continuously improved the industrial system and scientifically regulated domestic supply, the association said.

"While achieving coordinated development across the entire industrial chain, it has actively expanded global partnerships and adhered to true multilateralism, making significant contributions to promoting world economic development," it said.

The association said that Chinese rare-earth enterprises will strictly comply with the announced requirements by strengthening compliance, maintaining high-standard openness, and ensuring that relevant items are not used for military purposes or in sensitive fields.

"Meanwhile, we will continue to enhance international mutually beneficial cooperation with friendly nations, deepen synergy and integration among upstream and downstream enterprises in the industrial chain, and achieve positive interaction between high-quality industrial development and high-level security," per the statement.