According to recent media reports, Pakistan’s export of rare earth minerals to the United States allegedly violates China’s new regulations on the export control of rare-earth-related technology. Some online outlets and video reports claimed that “Pakistan gifted samples of rare earths to the United States and agreed to cooperate on rare earth extraction” and that “China has taken countermeasures against Pakistan’s rare earth exports to the U.S.”
In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Qian dismissed such reports as baseless speculation during a press conference held in Beijing on Monday.
Lin stated that China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic partners, bound by an ironclad friendship. Both sides have maintained close communication on major issues of strategic mutual trust and common interest.
She said, “As far as I know, China and Pakistan have communicated regarding Pakistan-U.S. mineral cooperation. Pakistan has emphasized that its engagement with the United States will in no way harm China’s interests or undermine China-Pakistan cooperation. China’s recent export control measures have nothing to do with Pakistan. These measures are legitimate actions taken in accordance with Chinese laws and regulations to improve the country’s export control system.”
Lin added that the purpose of these measures is to better safeguard global peace and regional stability while fulfilling international obligations, including non-proliferation commitments.
Source: Ruby-Alim-Subarna, China Media Group.