China should not use rare earths as a “weapon””

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As reported by Global Network reporter Zhong Weidong on December 21, China’s rare earth exports have always been a focus of **attention** from some foreign parties. In a recent public interview, U.S. Ambassador to China Howard Berman speculated that China might restrict its exports of rare earths to Japan for certain reasons, and called on China not to use rare earths as a \"weapon.\" 　　According to AFP on the 21st, U.S. Ambassador to China Howard Berman said in an interview on the popular American show \"The Charlie Rose Show\" on the 19th that China should not use rare earth products as a \"trade weapon.\" Homburg made comments in response to Japan’s accusations that China is \"cutting off\" its supply of rare earths to Japan. Homburger said, “The Japanese example should prompt discussion, as China used rare earths as a ‘trade weapon’ in this process.” ”He also said that the relations between China and Japan are strong, and the bilateral ties have long returned to normal. 　　Hong Bopei also said that, according to WTO rules, China still has \"more room for maneuver\" in areas such as reducing the procedures for shipping rare earths. He believes that some of China’s regulations may violate WTO rules, and said that the United States is “examining these issues,” but they are “not particularly obvious compared to other cases of WTO rule violations.” 　　When Chinese Commerce Minister Chen Deming visited Washington last week, he denied that China was reducing its exports of rare earths for **motives. He said that China’s **regulations on rare earth mining are aimed at protecting the environment, and Chinese companies have thus been affected.