Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi sought to allay European concerns over rare earth supplies during a high-profile press conference in Berlin on Thursday, emphasizing China's commitment to stable trade relations with the EU. The diplomatic reassurance comes as the two sides mark 50 years of formal ties amid evolving global economic and security challenges.
Rare Earths: Balancing Regulation & Cooperation
Addressing European businesses' anxieties about export controls, Wang stated: "China's policy aligns with international norms to ensure responsible management of dual-use items." He confirmed a new "fast track" mechanism to expedite approvals for compliant European companies, while reiterating China's sovereign right to regulate strategic resources critical for green technologies and defense systems.
Ukraine Peace Efforts Gain Momentum
On the ongoing conflict, Wang outlined China's three-pronged approach: promoting peace talks, restricting military exports, and leading the "Friends of Peace" initiative at the UN. "History shows peace doors must stay open," he remarked, urging all parties to support a "comprehensive, lasting security architecture for Europe."
Golden Anniversary of China-EU Relations
Celebrating five decades of diplomatic relations, Wang framed the partnership as "win-win cooperation between two major forces of multipolarization." He highlighted China's accelerated market reforms and commitment to conflict resolution through dialogue, positioning the relationship as crucial for global stability in an era of geopolitical shifts.
