San Francisco Frontiers - Germany says China promised 'reliable' rare earth supply

Germany and China have long had deep economic ties, but those have frayed in recent times over issues ranging from claims of unfair trade practices to protectionism.

One particularly thorny issue has been China's moves to restrict exports of rare earths, crucial to many sectors worldwide from automotive to electronics.

But after wrapping up a visit to Beijing and Shanghai, Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil said he had received a "clear commitment from the Chinese side that there will be reliable access and supply chains for rare earths and critical raw materials, and that the Chinese side stands by this".

"This was a very important point, publicly committed to, and we will remind the Chinese side of this," added Klingbeil, who is also German vice chancellor, as he visited Singapore following his China trip.

China dominates the mining and processing of rare earths but has been tightening control over their export this year, against the backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions, especially with Washington.

Beijing introduced sweeping new measures last month, before it agreed to suspend some export restrictions following talks between the US and Chinese presidents.

Manufacturers in Germany, Europe's industrial powerhouse, had been particularly hit by the export curbs.

The difficulties in the China-Germany relationship were illustrated last month when Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul cancelled a visit to China at the last minute, saying that meetings with key officials could not be arranged.

But there are signs that both sides want to improve their crucial economic relationship, particularly as the United States pursues its "America first" agenda under President Donald Trump.

Klingbeil took part in an annual "financial dialogue" between German and Chinese officials in Beijing on his trip.

This had sent "a clear signal of German-Chinese cooperation", he said.

"That was my goal in coming here, and it worked well. I believe I was able to contribute to ensuring good German-Chinese relations."

D.Parker--SFF