China, which holds the global monopoly over the precious rare earth metals needed for the manufacturing of phones, automobiles and missiles, continues to play hardball over lifting export restrictions of the precious metals, warding off pressure from a host of countries, including the US, EU and India.
“China’s export control measures are consistent with universal practices,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said, responding to a question during a media briefing in Beijing on Thursday, 5 June, that Japanese automaker Suzuki has suspended production of its main small cars in Japan because of delays due to rare earth restrictions.
“Such measures are non-discriminatory and not targeted at any particular country,” he said, adding that the question should be directed to competent authorities.
This is the second time this week that Lin has deflected a question on the growing global concern over the restrictions on export of Chinese rare earth metals.
On Tuesday, 3 June, he evaded a question about reports that executives and representatives of the car industry in Europe, the US and India have expressed concern that China’s rare earth export controls are creating a risk of shortages that could lead to stoppage of production soon, saying that the question should be addressed to the competent authorities.
Reports from Tokyo on Thursday, meanwhile, said Suzuki Motor has halted production of its Swift model cars in Japan from 26 May due to China’s rare earth restrictions.