Top planner warns of misusing rare earths

The National Development and Reform Commission, China's top economic planner, said on Tuesday that the country is willing to continue supplying rare-earth metals to world markets but is opposed to those who use products made with such rare earths to "suppress and dampen China's development".

It also said that the industries of China and the United States are highly complementary. Cooperation will benefit both countries while confrontation will only undermine their interests, it said.

The NDRC said in the recent media interview that China will adhere to the principle of fair and free trade in its management of rare-earth exports, but "the Chinese people will be unhappy" if the country's exported rare-earth metals are used against China.