Germany criticises China curbs on rare-earth exports
Germany's foreign minister Thursday criticised China over its "unilateral and often not very transparent" export restrictions on rare earths, warning they were harming ties between the world's third- and second-biggest economies.
Beijing has since April required licences to export the strategic materials, which are used in a wide variety of products from electric car batteries to hard drives.
Foreign Minister
Johann Wadephul
, speaking at a news conference alongside Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Berlin, said the curbs were of "great concern" to German businesses.
"This uncertainty is damaging our trade relations and also damaging China's image in Germany as a reliable trading partner overall," he said.
Wang, who is on a tour of Europe, insisted that rare earths were "dual-use goods" with civilian and military applications, which meant their export needed to be controlled, adding: "This is part of our sovereignty."
China, which is seeking to improve relations with the European Union as a counterweight to the United States, has proposed establishing a "green channel" to ease the export of rare earths to the bloc, its commerce ministry said last month.
The curbs have caused concern among businesses worldwide as China accounts for almost two-thirds of rare earth mining production and 92 percent of global refined output, according to the International Energy Agency.
Wadephul also expressed concern about Beijing's links to Russia's war in Ukraine, cautioning against the "delivery of goods that are also important for the war effort".
But Wang responded: "We are striving for peace and negotiation. We are not supplying lethal weapons to the parties involved in the conflict."
- Ukraine war tensions -
China has portrayed itself as a neutral party in Russia's more than three-year war with Ukraine.
But Western governments say Beijing's close ties have given Moscow crucial economic and diplomatic support, including by failing to stop the flow of goods that can be used by Russia in its offensive.
Beijing and Berlin have long had close ties, particularly on the economic front, with the Chinese market becoming a key destination for Germany's industrial titans.
Thursday's visit marked Wang's first trip to Germany since a conservative-led government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz took power in May.
During his Europe trip, which also takes him to France and EU headquarters in Brussels, Wang is seeking to present China as a steady counterweight to the United States under President Donald Trump.
Wadephul also emphasised cooperation with China was important, saying Berlin and Berlin had to cooperate to try to solve the many "international challenges" they were facing.
sr/sea/tw
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
United News of India
20 minutes ago
- United News of India
UK acknowledges partial success by Afghan Taliban in curbing ISKP terrorists
London/Kabul, July 5 (UNI) The United Kingdom acknowledged that Afghanistan's Taliban-led interim government has made partial gains in curbing the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), though the Islamic terror group continues to pose a serious threat both within the country and beyond its borders. Speaking at a security conference in Islamabad, British High Commissioner to Pakistan Matt Cannell noted that while Taliban efforts have disrupted ISKP operations since 2022, the group has not been dismantled, reports Tolo News. 'What we've seen is a dispersal rather than eradication of ISKP,' he said. 'They have obviously regrouped and are now promoting attacks in neighbouring countries and across the border as well.' ISKP, the regional affiliate of the Islamic State, has remained active despite ongoing crackdowns by the Taliban, which so far has successfully curbed the terrorist group's numbers in the country. The group has been responsible for a series of deadly attacks targeting civilians, minorities, government authorities, infrastructure, and even foreign officials across Afghanistan and the wider region. While the Taliban has claimed that the group has been defeated, Western officials and analysts continue to express concern about its shifting tactics and potential for resurgence. Cannell emphasised the need for sustained regional cooperation to counter the evolving threat. 'We understand how Taliban pressure has continued to affect ISKP,' he said. 'Sharing insights with our partners is essential to continue disrupting future activity.' In a separate meeting, the British chargé d'affaires to Afghanistan told Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, the Taliban's acting Minister for Refugees and Repatriation, that the United Nations has drafted a plan for Afghanistan focused on strengthening engagement with the interim government and supporting national stability in the country. UNI ANV GNK 1839
India.com
an hour ago
- India.com
Xi Jinping disappears mysteriously, sparks talks about his successor, these 5 persons could become China president
New Delhi: President Xi Jinping, who is considered a superpower in China, has been missing for the last two weeks. He has not been seen in public anywhere. After the news of the Chinese President's disappearance, speculation of a change of power in China has intensified. These speculations gained further momentum when reports came out that Jinping will not even attend the upcoming BRICS summit to be held in Brazil. This is happening for the first time since he took office. In such a situation, the question arises that if Xi Jinping's rule ends in China, then who will replace him. Let us know about some of the names that are in discussion at this time. Who is second powerful leader? There is no clear successor, but General Zhang Youxia in particular remains important. General Zhang is the first vice president and key military face of China's powerful Central Military Commission. In such a situation, his support is important for the next successor. Senior party leaders close to former President Hu Jintao are said to be supporting him, which has strengthened his position. General Zhang is believed to be strengthening his influence in Xi's absence. Who are the main contenders? Li Qiang: Li Qiang, a longtime aide of Xi Jinping, was appointed prime minister in 2023. His leadership during Shanghai's strict COVID-19 lockdown and recent high-profile international appearances, including replacing Xi Jinping at the G-20, show his high status. As the head of the State Council, he oversees China's economy, making him the second most powerful person in the government. Ding Shujiang: Ding, who has served as Xi Jinping's chief of staff, is seen as his closest aide. He has risen rapidly without assuming the role of provincial leadership. Xi's blessings are said to be behind this. Now he manages key areas of policy coordination. His proximity to power makes him a key player. Wang Huning: He is currently the chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. Wang is known as the party's chief theorist and has served under three presidents. His influence on ideology gives him strategic importance. However, he lacks administrative experience, making him more likely to become a kingmaker than a king. Zhao Leji: A former leader of the anti-corruption movement, Zhao is a senior member of the Politburo Standing Committee and serves as chairman of the National People's Congress. His current role in the national legislature gives him visibility and authority, especially in constitutional and legal matters. He is a key figure in the list of potential successors. Li Hongzhong: Senior Chinese Communist Party leader and Vice Chairman of the National People's Congress, Li Hongzhong is also in the race. Li has risen from the regional ranks. Though he is not as visible internationally, his influence within the party structure and loyal support for Xi makes him one of the most influential contenders.
Mint
2 hours ago
- Mint
Trump tariff ultimatum: These countries have struck trade deals as US Prez prepares ‘take it or leave it' letters
As the deadline for the 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs nears, United States President Donald Trump stated that he has signed letters to 12 countries detailing the different tariff rates that will be imposed on exports to the US. These 'take it or leave it' offers enclosed in letters are scheduled to be sent out on Monday, July 7. With the letters set to go out Monday, here's a look at the countries that have already secured trade deals with the US, avoiding the 'take it or leave it' letters from Donald Trump. In May, the UK concluded a trade deal with the US that kept a 10 per cent tariff rate and secured preferential treatment for some sectors, including autos and aircraft engines. Under the US-Vietnam trade deal, tariffs on numerous Vietnamese goods have been reduced to 20 per cent, down from the previously threatened 46 per cent. Additionally, many US products will now be able to enter Vietnam duty-free. Japan's tariff negotiator Ryosei Akazawa held 'in-depth exchanges' with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Thursday and Saturday, reported Reuters, citing the Japanese government, which intends to actively coordinate with the US over the tariff issue. Apart from India, the EU also could not conclude a trade deal with the US. On Friday, EU diplomats said they haven't achieved a breakthrough in trade negotiations with the Trump administration, Reuters reported. A trade deal with India was not finalised and the Indian negotiators returned from the US on Friday, according to the reports. Meanwhile, India has proposed retaliatory duties against the United States under World Trade Organisation (WTO) norms as a safeguard measure against American tariffs on the automobile sector. "The proposed suspension of concessions or other obligations would take the form of an increase in tariffs on selected products originating in the United States," PTI reported, quoting a notification of the WTO. While recognising the challenges of negotiating with more than 170 countries, Trump informed reporters that the letters would be sent to 10 countries at a time with tariff rates in the range of 20 per cent to 30 per cent. 'The letters are better ... much easier to send a letter,' Trump told reporters. Trump's letter, scheduled to be sent out on Monday, comes days before the reciprocal trade deadline on Tuesday, ending the 90-day pause on duties. In April, Trump announced a 10% base tariff rate and additional tariffs up to 50% for trading partners, significantly impacting the financial markets. However, he subsequently paused these tariffs for 90 days, giving time for negotiations with trading partners. Earlier, Trump said that after the July 9 deadline, tariffs may go even higher, up to 70%, effective from August 1 onwards. Trump and his top aides initially said they would launch negotiations with scores of countries on tariff rates, but the U.S. president has soured on that process after repeated setbacks with major trading partners, including Japan and the European Union.
