Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated during his visit to Berlin that rare earth element exports will not become a source of tension between China and Europe. He emphasized that China can meet European and German demand for rare earths if applications comply with regulations, and urged against exaggerating economic and trade issues into security concerns. Wang's remarks came amid ongoing diplomatic engagements, including meetings with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and participation in the eighth China-Germany diplomatic and security strategic dialogue. Concurrently, the European Union is preparing to stockpile critical minerals, including rare earths and permanent magnets, as well as essential supplies like cable repair kits, backup food, medicines, and nuclear fuel. This move, reported by the Financial Times and confirmed by multiple sources, is driven by rising geopolitical risks and concerns over potential supply disruptions due to conflicts and repeated sabotage attacks in Europe. The EU's strategy aims to enhance the bloc's resilience to conflicts and climate change, reflecting growing apprehension about its vulnerability to external threats. These developments occur as China and the EU mark the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, with both sides seeking to strengthen strategic cooperation and maintain stable, predictable partnerships amid global uncertainties.
How it started A heterodox economist & her PhD student argue for buffer stocks in essentials for inflation preparedness in an age of overlapping emergencies. How it’s going New EU Stockpile Strategy suggests stockpiles in essentials like food for inflation prevention. https://t.co/2t4V9uTlcD
UE se prepara para calamidade e vai estocar bens essenciais Bloco quer armazenar alimentos, água, combustível e remédios para o caso de crises como pandemias, desastres naturais ou conflitos. Medida vem em meio a temor de guerra com a Rússia. https://t.co/vtM6V4tZo5
The European Commission is urging EU countries to create stockpiles of strategic raw materials in case of war. The recommendations from Brussels highlight the need to store not only food and medicine but also critical raw materials, spare parts for infrastructure, and nuclear https://t.co/OoBy8kyGhf