Berlin, July 4, 2025 – The Europe Today: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday reaffirmed that rare earth exports have never been, and should not become, an issue of contention between China and Europe. His remarks came during a joint press conference with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Berlin, amid growing concerns among European companies over China’s export control measures.
Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, emphasized that it is the sovereign right and international responsibility of any country to impose necessary regulations on dual-use items — goods with both civilian and military applications.
“China’s policy on rare earths is consistent with international practices and contributes to safeguarding global peace and stability,” he stated. He reassured that as long as export control regulations are adhered to and the proper procedures completed, the legitimate demands of European enterprises will be duly met. Wang also highlighted that Chinese authorities have introduced a “fast track” mechanism to facilitate rare earth exports to European companies.
He warned, however, that “certain forces” are deliberately politicizing the issue with ulterior motives, potentially undermining constructive China-Europe cooperation.
On the Ukraine Crisis
Addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Wang reiterated China’s consistent and principled stance of promoting peace talks. He stated that China welcomes and supports the efforts of all parties to reach a comprehensive, lasting, and binding peace agreement.
“China neither provides lethal weapons to any party involved in the conflict nor supports unilateral sanctions,” he said. The foreign minister underscored that China exercises strict control over the export of dual-use items, including drones, and has fulfilled its international obligations in this regard.
He noted China’s diplomatic initiative, the “Friends of Peace” group co-launched with Brazil and other Global South nations at the United Nations, aimed at mobilizing global support for a ceasefire and ending the hostilities. “Although differences remain, it is always better to engage in dialogue than to resort to war,” Wang emphasized.
Reflecting on Europe’s history, he stated that even in the most complex and difficult situations, the door to peace and reconciliation must remain open. “China supports all constructive efforts to build a balanced, effective, and sustainable European security architecture and achieve enduring peace on the continent,” he said.
On 50 Years of China-EU Diplomatic Relations
Marking the 50th anniversary of China-European Union diplomatic ties, Wang called for defining the relationship through partnership, cooperation, independence, and mutual benefit. He affirmed that China’s policy toward the EU remains stable and continuous.
“We support European integration and strategic autonomy,” he said. “Europe is an important pole in a multipolar world, and China supports its constructive role on the global stage.”
Wang further stated that China is accelerating its high-level opening-up and is committed to creating a more market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized business environment. He reaffirmed China’s position on global and regional conflicts — advocating political solutions through dialogue, rejecting the use of force and unilateral sanctions, and upholding the principle of non-interference in internal affairs.
China, he concluded, is ready to share opportunities with all nations — including European countries — to jointly build a community with a shared future for humanity.
