China and EU Hold Key Talks to Strengthen Trade Cooperation and Ease Rare Earth Tensions

A high-level Chinese delegation is holding closed-door discussions in Brussels with European Union officials to address trade and technology concerns, including rare earth export rules and semiconductor industry issues.
The talks follow China’s recent decision to impose export controls on several rare earth technologies, covering mining, smelting, and recycling. The measures require foreign entities to obtain export licenses for certain materials deemed critical to both industrial and defense applications.
Beijing has assured that it communicated these changes to its global partners in advance and has created a “green channel” for European companies to ensure uninterrupted cooperation. The EU, a major importer of rare earths used in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and defense technologies, has expressed the need for open dialogue to avoid disruptions.
Experts say the renewed discussions mark a positive step toward rebuilding trust and ensuring stability in the global supply chain. Both sides aim to balance economic interests while maintaining transparent and predictable frameworks to prevent supply chain politicization and support green and digital transitions.