China has approved a number of export license applications for rare earth-related items, and will continue to strengthen the review of compliant applications, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

As a responsible major country, China has fully considered the reasonable demands and concerns of various nations in the private sector while reviewing applications for rare earth-related export permits, said He Yadong, a spokesman for the ministry, at a news conference.

Rare earth-related items have dual-use attributes for both military and civilian purposes, He said, noting that imposing export controls on such items is in line with international practice.

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China stands ready to enhance communication and dialogue on export controls with relevant countries to facilitate trade compliance, He said.