China's export controls on Japan aims to thwart its remilitarization and attempt to possess nuclear weapons: FM spokesperson

(ECNS) -- China implements export controls on Japan in accordance with the laws and regulations, and the aim is to thwart Japan's remilitarization and attempt to possess nuclear weapons, China's Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks in response to a question about Japan's request for U.S. help in encouraging China to ease its related export controls, as Japan is months away from running out of supplies of yttrium, a critical rare earth element.

Mao said that China's position of keeping the global industrial and supply chains of critical minerals safe and stable has not changed. All parties have the responsibility to play a constructive role to this end.