CCTV News: According to the Ministry of Commerce website, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce answered questions from reporters on the implementation of export controls on Sino-Heavy Rare Earth-related items.

Q: On April 4, the Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs issued an announcement to implement export controls on items related to medium and heavy rare earths. What are the considerations for China’s introduction of export control policies this time?

A: In accordance with the Export Control Law of the People's Republic of China and other relevant laws and regulations, on April 4, the Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs issued an announcement on the implementation of export control measures for seven types of medium and heavy rare earth-related items such as samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, tertium, scandium, and yttrium, and it will be officially implemented from the date of its release.

This time, the Chinese government implements export controls on relevant items in accordance with the law, with the purpose of better safeguarding national security and interests and fulfilling international obligations such as non-proliferation. Related items have dual-use attributes for military and civilians, and it is an international practice to implement export control on them. As a responsible major country, China has listed relevant items in charge, reflecting its consistent position of firmly maintaining world peace and regional stability. China is willing to strengthen foreign exchanges and cooperation through a bilateral export control dialogue and exchange mechanism, and promote compliant trade.