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.

China's critical-mineral export controls have become a focus on Trump's criticism of Beijing, which he says has violated the truce reached last month to roll back tariffs and trade restrictions.