EU leaders will demand China to enhance rare earth mineral accessibility at their upcoming Beijing summit because of escalating geopolitical tensions and trade disputes.
The EU demands better Chinese rare earth transparency and availability because Beijing restricted exports after the United States raised tariffs. The EU views the July 24–25 summit as its essential opportunity to achieve progress.
The sources who are familiar with the planning indicate that rare earths will be the main focus of the EU’s discussions with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. European leaders demand faster customs clearance procedures and more license approvals through China’s green channel initiative.
Progress has been slow. The EU has submitted numerous applications but the approval process has only advanced for less than half of them. According to European Chamber of Commerce in China representative Adam Dunnett the approval process continues to face delays.
The dispute about minerals emerges from a wider set of tensions. The EU imposed EV tariffs on China which led Beijing to start trade investigations into EU brandy and pork and dairy products. The EU remains committed to preventing its sole dependence on a single rare earth supplier because these minerals play a vital role in the green transition.
