China's recently announced export controls on rare earths are legitimate measures aimed at improving its export control system and preventing illegal use, a Ministry of Commerce spokeswoman said at a press conference on Thursday. Shotlist: Beijing, China - Oct 16, 2025: 1. Various of press conference in progress; reporters; 2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) He Yongqian, spokeswoman, Ministry of Commerce: "China's recent rare earth export control measures are a legitimate step in improving its export control system, in accordance with laws and regulations. The goal is to prevent the illegal outflow of rare earths and their possible diversion to improper uses, such as weapons of mass destruction, and to better safeguard China's national security and global security. The foreign rare earth products subject to these controls only include major products, such as rare earth magnets and related components, and rare earth targets, already on China's export control list. Prior to the issuance of these measures, China notified several countries and regions, including the United States, Europe, and Japan, and is continuing friendly communication with relevant countries and regions on facilitating the export control measures.”; FILE: China - Date Unknown 3. Aerial shot of rare earth mining; 4. Rare earth elements being transported on conveyor belt; FILE: Ganzhou City, Jiangxi Province, east China - Date Unknown 5. Various of rare earth; FILE: Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, south China - March 30, 2022 6. Rare earth oxide production in factory. [Restriction - No access Chinese mainland]