German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) voiced concerns regarding China’s export restrictions on rare earth minerals during a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Berlin on Thursday afternoon. Wadephul stated that these unilateral and often opaque restrictions are causing significant worry for German companies and hindering trade relations, ultimately impacting China’s reputation as a dependable trading partner in Germany.
He emphasized the importance of acknowledging China’s substantial economic progress over the past decades, attributing it to an international framework of fair and free trade. However, Wadephul stressed that the continued prosperity of this trade relies on equitable competition and mutual reciprocity.
A key focus of the discussion was the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with Wadephul urging China to prevent the flow of goods to Russia that could further support the war effort. He underscored the potential negative consequences of such support on stability and security across Europe, Asia and globally, reiterating that restoring peace in Europe remains a core national interest for Germany.
In response, Wang Yi asserted that China does not supply weapons to any party in a conflict and maintains strict control over dual-use goods. He stated that China has historically avoided direct involvement in wars and conflicts, although he did not elaborate on specific instances. Wang affirmed China’s commitment to peaceful resolution, emphasizing its consistent advocacy for dialogue in the Ukraine crisis.