Ministry opposes disclosure of WTO report on rare earth disputes

The Ministry of Commerce said China strongly opposes disclosure of an interim World Trade Organization report that disfavors the nation's claim in its rare earths disputes with other countries.

"The case is under panel examination, which is not open. Before the panel develops a final report, any move to disclose the panel examination is under suspicion of violating the WTO rules," the ministry said in a note e-mailed to China Daily.

The Financial Times reported on Wednesday that the WTO has concluded that restrictions by China on the exports of rare earths are not in line with WTO rules. The newspaper cited sources in countries that have challenged the Chinese measures, but said the WTO had not yet issued its findings.