Foreign Ministry answers reporters on China's rare-earth exports

BEIJING, December 30 (Xinhua) Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu chaired a regular press conference today, according to the Foreign Ministry website.　　Jiang first released the message: at the invitation of the Government of Mauritius, Vice-President of Zambia Kunda, the Government of the Congo (DRC), Prime Minister Philemont of Cameroon and the Government of Senegal, vice-premier Hui Liangyu will have an official visit to the five countries from January 6, 2011 to 19th. Q: It is reported that the recent three West African presidents to Cote Divoire to mediate, still cannot change the stalemate in Côte d ' Ivoire. What is China's view on the current Cote Divoire situation?　　What has the Chinese government done to protect the safety of Chinese personnel? A: We are concerned about the tension in the Cote Divoire. China hopes that all parties concerned will resolve their differences through dialogue and consultation, achieve political reconciliation and safeguard the peace and stability of the country.　　China supports peace efforts by African countries to mediate the Ivorian crisis. In response to the recent security situation in Côte d ' Ivoire, the Chinese government has asked the branch to take effective measures to protect the personal and property safety of Chinese citizens and institutions in the branch.　　The Foreign Ministry has issued a security alert to advise Chinese citizens not to go to the branch recently, reminding Chinese citizens to step up safety precautions. Q: U.S. governor New Mexico State Richardson said after a recent visit to North Korea that North Korea agreed to a one-time verification of the International Atomic Energy Agency in the DPRK.　　Does China know more information? A: The DPRK's position should be understood to the DPRK side.　　We believe that all countries have the right to peaceful uses of nuclear energy, while complying with international norms and receiving relevant safeguards.　　Q: What does China think of South Korean president Lee Myung-bak and South Korea's domestic relations and reunification on the peninsula? A: We took note of President Lee Myung-bak's talk about the north-south relationship. China has always advocated that the north and the South should solve problems through dialogue and consultation, gradually improve relations and achieve reconciliation and cooperation. Dialogue negotiation is the only correct and effective way to solve the problems on the Korean peninsula and realize the stability of the peninsula.　　We sincerely hope and support a useful engagement dialogue between the north and the south. Q: It is reported that South Korean President Lee Myung-bak said yesterday that the DPRK nuclear issue should be resolved through the six-party talks, which is more positive than the South Korean government's previous position.　　What is China's comment on this? A: The six-party talks are an effective way to achieve denuclearization of the Korean peninsula and maintain regional peace and stability.　　We are ready to work with all parties to achieve the objectives of the 9 19 Joint declaration through the process of the six-party talks. Q: The U.S. trade office said last week that China's first batch of Rare-earth export quotas would be reduced next year, which could prompt further action by the United States. What is China's comment on this?　　Why insist on restricting the export of rare earths? A: It is recommended that you raise this question to the Ministry of Commerce of the competent department. Recently, the Ministry of Commerce has made a detailed explanation on this website.　　I would like to give you a brief account of China's attitude towards this issue.　　China has been exporting rare earths for a long time, with 36.4% of its reserves bearing more than 90% per cent of the world's supply of rare earths, making a huge contribution to the supply and stability of the world's Rare-earth market. China's mining, production and export of rare earthsThe management of various links is based on the need to protect the environment and the exhaustion of resources, and the relevant measures conform to WTO rules.　　In the future, China will continue to supply rare earths to the international market and implement effective management of Rare-earth exports in accordance with WTO rules. With the development of economy, the demand of rare earths in international market is increasing, so the supply of rare earths is becoming a common task faced by all countries in the world.　　Other countries with rare earth resources should also actively exploit rare earth resources to share the responsibility for global supply of rare earths.　　China is also willing to strengthen cooperation with other countries in the search for alternative resources for the development of rare earths and increase the utilization rate of rare earths, and welcomes countries with advanced environmental technologies to provide relevant technical support to China to help them do environmental work. Jiang finally said that today is the last regular press conference this year, thank reporters friends for their cooperation over the past year, and wish you a happy New Year!