EU, China agree to urgent talks on rare earths
(VOVWORLD) - EU and Chinese officials have agreed to meet in Brussels for "urgent" talks on China's export controls on rare earths, EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic told reporters on Tuesday following a two-hour phone call with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao.
Sefcovic said the issue has cast a shadow over their relationship, but noted that the conversation was constructive. Both sides agreed to enhance communication at all levels.
Minister Wang accepted the invitation to attend the talks, which come amid growing concern over Beijing’s move on October 9 to tighten control over rare earth exports and related technologies, forcing several European companies to halt production, which has led to economic damage.