Brussels: European Union Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic announced Tuesday that European and Chinese officials have agreed to hold urgent talks in Brussels in the coming days to find solutions to Beijing's restrictions on rare earth exports. Following a video call with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Wentao, Sefcovic explained that he "invited the Chinese authorities to come to Brussels in the coming days to find urgent solutions," adding that the Chinese minister "accepted the invitation."

According to Qatar News Agency, these talks come after China, the world's largest producer of rare earths used in magnets vital to the automotive, electronics, and defense industries, announced new controls on the export of rare earth technologies earlier this month. European officials reported that these Chinese restrictions forced European companies to halt production and caused significant economic damage across supply chains, prompting Brussels to take diplomatic, industrial, and practical action to support sectors affected by the Chinese measures.

European Commission Vice President Stephane Le Foll announced last Monday that the European Union (EU) is preparing new initiatives, including the establishment of joint purchasing and storage centers and the expansion of rare earth recycling programs, in an effort to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and enhance European industrial stability. Sefcovic indicated last week that he is working with G7 partners to formulate a coordinated response to China, a move aimed at protecting the interests of European companies and maintaining balance in the global rare earth market.