China enforces export controls on rare earths and related items in accordance with the law to better safeguard national security and interests, as well as to fulfill international obligations such as non-proliferation.

The ministry said it has approved a certain number of compliant rare earth applications and will continue to improve the examination and approvals.

Beijing says it granted approval to some applications for the export of rare earths, a move that could ease tensions before trade negotiations between the US and China next week.