China urges G7 to follow market rules after statement on rare earths

China urged the Group of Seven to abide by market economy principles and international economic and trade rules and stop undermining the global trade order on Thursday, responding to the bloc's latest joint statement that calls for reducing reliance on China for critical minerals and rare earths.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian made the remarks at a regular press briefing.

China's position on safeguarding the stability and security of critical minerals and the global industrial and supply chains remains unchanged, Lin said. All parties share the responsibility to play a constructive role in this regard, he added.

He noted that China's efforts to standardize and improve its export control system are consistent with internationally accepted practices and are intended to better safeguard world peace and regional stability and fulfill non-proliferation obligations.

"We urge the G7 to earnestly abide by market economy principles and international economic and trade rules, and stop using the rules of small exclusive circles to disrupt the international economic and trade order," Lin said.