China refutes baseless reports on Pakistan's rare earth exports to U.S.

(ECNS) -- Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian on Monday dismissed reports claiming that Pakistan used Chinese equipment and technology to export rare earth materials to the United States, prompting China's export control measures.

Lin said China and Pakistan are "all-weather strategic cooperative partners" whose "iron-clad friendship has stood the test of time." He stressed that the two countries maintain high-level strategic mutual trust and close communication on major issues concerning their common interests.

Online speculation alleged that Pakistan had sent rare earth samples to the U.S. and the two sides agreed on rare earth cooperation, leading China to impose countermeasures against Pakistan.

Lin said, "From what I've learned, the two countries have been in communication on Pakistan-U.S. mining cooperation. Pakistan stressed that its business with the U.S. will never harm China's interests or its cooperation with China. The samples that the Pakistani leaders showed and gave to the U.S. leader are gem ores purchased by staff in Pakistan. The reported stories are either misinformed or invented, or even designed to drive a wedge between China and Pakistan. They are just baseless."

The spokesperson stressed that China's recently released export control measures on related rare earth items have nothing to do with Pakistan. It is a legitimate action by the Chinese government to refine its export control system in accordance with laws and regulations. It aims to better defend world peace and regional stability and to fulfill non-proliferation and other international obligations.

(By Evelyn)