Core Viewpoint - China emphasizes that the export control of rare earths is a common international practice, reflecting its commitment to maintaining world peace and regional stability, while actively participating in non-proliferation efforts [1] Group 1: Export Control Policy - The Chinese government is implementing export controls on rare earths and related items in accordance with laws and regulations [1] - The export control measures are not targeted at specific countries, and compliant export applications for civilian use will be approved promptly [1] Group 2: International Cooperation - China expresses willingness to enhance dialogue and cooperation with relevant countries and regions to jointly maintain the stability of global supply chains [1]

Group 1 - The Chinese government has begun issuing new export licenses for rare earth elements, emphasizing their dual-use nature for both military and civilian applications [1] - The implementation of export controls on rare earths aligns with international practices and reflects China's commitment to maintaining global peace and regional stability [1] - China is open to dialogue and cooperation with relevant countries and regions to ensure the stability of global supply chains [1]

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese government emphasizes its commitment to maintaining global peace and regional stability through the regulation of rare earth exports, which have both military and civilian applications [1] Group 1: Export Regulations - The Chinese government has issued new export licenses for rare earths, which are subject to international norms regarding export controls [1] - The export control measures are not aimed at specific countries but are applied uniformly to all compliant applications for civilian use [1] Group 2: International Cooperation - China expresses willingness to enhance dialogue and cooperation with relevant countries and regions to maintain the stability of global supply chains [1]

Key Focus - The Ministry of Commerce strongly opposes the European Commission's intensive investigations into multiple Chinese companies, highlighting the discriminatory nature of these actions and calling for a fair business environment for foreign investment in Europe [2][3] - The Ministry of Commerce has approved some general license applications for rare earth exports, indicating progress in compliance and export management [3] - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology plans to strengthen capacity regulation in the photovoltaic industry, aiming for a dynamic balance of production capacity by 2026 [3] - The State Administration for Market Regulation is focused on optimizing the business environment and addressing "involution" competition to promote healthy market order [4] Domestic News - The State Council has issued opinions on combating illegal activities related to tobacco, emphasizing strict measures against counterfeiting, smuggling, and illegal sales to protect national interests and consumer rights [1] International News - The U.S. President Trump is expected to announce a nominee for the next Federal Reserve Chair, advocating for significant interest rate cuts [6] - The Norwegian central bank has maintained its policy rate at 4%, indicating no urgency to lower rates despite market expectations [6] - Japan's government is increasing its sensitivity to market conditions, particularly regarding the yen's performance and long-term interest rates [6] - Israel has approved a significant natural gas export agreement with Egypt, marking a historic milestone for the country [6]

Core Viewpoint - The approval of certain rare earth export licenses by China's Ministry of Commerce signals a shift towards a more mature and rule-based management of strategic resources, reflecting China's balancing act between national interests and global supply chain stability [1][3][12] Group 1: Transition from Control to Approval - The approval process indicates that China's export control is not a blanket ban but a structured compliance management system that exporters must learn to navigate [3][4] - Key terms such as "compliance experience accumulation" and "basic requirements" highlight the expectation for exporters to meet specific standards to ensure supply chain security [3][4] - This approval provides certainty to international markets, alleviating fears of supply disruptions while establishing a framework for future trade [3][4] Group 2: Importance of Rare Earth Elements - Rare earth elements are critical for advanced technologies, including electric vehicles, wind turbines, and medical devices, making China's policies impactful on a global scale [4][5] - The approval reflects China's strategic management of its resources while considering global demand, indicating a responsible approach to its role as a major supplier [4][5] Group 3: General License and Industry Transformation - The introduction of a "general license" simplifies export processes and signifies a deeper industry transformation, requiring exporters to meet environmental, transparency, and compliance standards [7][8] - Achieving the basic requirements for the general license represents a systematic enhancement in technology, management, and social responsibility for Chinese exporters [7][8] Group 4: Global Supply Chain Dynamics - The approval is expected to accelerate two trends: diversification of supply sources and the competition over rules and standards in the global rare earth market [10][12] - Countries like Australia and the U.S. may see increased investment in their rare earth projects, but their ability to compete effectively remains to be seen [10][12] - The competition will increasingly focus on regulatory frameworks, technical standards, and sustainable practices rather than just resource acquisition [10][12] Group 5: Conclusion and Future Implications - The approval signifies a critical step in China's resource management policy and reflects a shift towards a more balanced and rule-based global trade environment [12] - The future of supply chain security will depend on collaborative frameworks rather than reliance on single sources, emphasizing the need for transparency and mutual adherence to rules [12]

新华社北京12月18日电（记者谢希瑶、黄韬铭）商务部新闻发言人何亚东18日说，对稀土相关物项实施 出口管制以来，中方主管部门向中国出口商进行了政策宣介。随着相关出口和合规经验的积累，部分中 国出口商已初步达到申请通用许可的基本要求。"据我所知，目前已收到并批准了部分中国出口商提交 的通用许可申请。" ...

Group 1: Steel Export License Management - The Ministry of Commerce announced the implementation of export license management for certain steel products starting January 1, 2026, marking the first time in 16 years this measure has been enacted [1] - The management will cover approximately 300 customs codes related to steel products, aimed at enhancing monitoring, statistical analysis, and tracking of export product quality [1] - Companies must provide proof of product quality inspection when applying for export licenses, encouraging a focus on quality and innovation in the steel industry [1] Group 2: Electric Vehicle Negotiations - The Ministry of Commerce confirmed ongoing negotiations between China and the EU regarding electric vehicles, emphasizing a willingness to resolve differences through dialogue [2] - The Chinese side seeks to establish an overall industry solution and urges the EU to act in good faith to create a stable market environment for both parties [2] Group 3: Opposition to EU Investigations - The Ministry of Commerce expressed strong opposition to the European Commission's recent investigations into multiple Chinese companies under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR), highlighting the discriminatory nature of these actions [3] - The Chinese government calls for an immediate halt to what it perceives as unreasonable pressure on foreign investment enterprises, advocating for a fair and predictable business environment [3] Group 4: Rare Earth Export Licenses - The Ministry of Commerce reported progress in the export control of rare earth items, indicating that some Chinese exporters have met the basic requirements for applying for general export licenses [4] - A number of applications for general licenses have already been received and approved [4] Group 5: Review of Overseas Port Asset Sales - The Ministry of Commerce stated that the Chinese government will conduct legal reviews and regulatory oversight regarding the sale of overseas port assets by CK Hutchison Holdings [5] - The government aims to protect fair market competition and uphold national sovereignty, security, and development interests [5]

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese government has implemented export controls on rare earth-related items, and some exporters have begun to meet the basic requirements for applying for general licenses [1]. Group 1 - The Ministry of Commerce's spokesperson, He Yadong, provided updates on the export control measures for rare earth items during a routine press conference [1]. - Chinese authorities have communicated policies to exporters, and with accumulated experience, some exporters have reached the initial criteria for general license applications [1]. - A number of general license applications from Chinese exporters have already been received and approved [1].

在今天（18日）下午召开的商务部例行新闻发布会上，新闻发言人何亚东针对稀土相关物项出口管制的 最新进展进行回应。 商务部新闻发言人何亚东表示，对稀土相关物项实施出口管制以来，中方主管部门向中国出口商进行了 政策宣介，随着相关出口和合规经验的积累，部分中国出口商已初步达到申请通用许可的基本要求。据 我所知，目前已收到并批准了部分中国出口商提交的通用许可申请。 （总台央视记者 刘颖 林杉） 2025中央广播电视总台版权所有。未经许可，请勿转载使用。 ...

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese government has implemented export controls on rare earth-related items, and some exporters have begun to meet the basic requirements for applying for general licenses [1] Group 1 - The Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yadong provided updates on the export controls for rare earth-related items during a routine press conference [1] - Chinese authorities have communicated policies to exporters, and with accumulated experience, some exporters have preliminarily met the requirements for general license applications [1] - A number of general license applications from Chinese exporters have been received and approved [1]