BEIJING, Oct. 27 (UPI) -- The Chinese government, concerned about Western media reports about its rare earths export policy, is going on the offensive.
A Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesman observed that China's measures to tighten the recovery, processing and export of rare earth metals are consistent with international rules and World Trade Organization regulations, adding, "China will not take blockading measures toward rare earth exports," Renmin Ribao reported Wednesday.
Japan is particularly concerned about possible restrictions on China's export policies, as its electronics industry heavily relies on the unique and rare minerals.
The Japanese media recently reported that the Japanese Ambassador to China Uichiro Niwa recently met with his colleagues from the United States, Britain, Germany and France to discuss the issue.
Concerns were heightened after Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao during a recent trip to Europe explicitly stated that it was necessary for China to increase regulation and control of rare earth metals even while accommodating global needs, stating that China wouldn't use the minerals as a bargaining tool.
