BEIJING, China - China has defended its curbs on rare earths mining and exports amid a World Trade Organization challenge brought by the United States, Europe and Japan.
The government said Wednesday that its controls are meant to protect the environment and preserve dwindling resources and are in line with its WTO free-trade commitments.
China accounts for most of the world's production of rare earths, which are used in mobile phones and other high-tech products.
Global manufacturers were alarmed when China announced it would limit exports while trying to build up its own industry to manufacture products that use rare earths.
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