October 21, 2025

Chinese Minister to Visit Brussels Amid Raw Materials Shortage

October 21, 2025
20683

In early October, Beijing broadened the scope of materials and products requiring export licenses for importers, with a focus on rare earths and magnets, crucial for electrification processes.

Šefčovič reported that EU companies had filed about 2,000 “priority applications” with Chinese authorities, but only half received proper attention. He conveyed this issue to Wang.

“We don’t wish to escalate,” the trade commissioner stated to journalists. “Yet, this situation strains our relationship, making a swift solution imperative.”

Highlighting the gravity of the supply crisis, the European Commission announced in its 2026 work program on Tuesday that it will begin stockpiling crucial raw materials essential to sectors like defense and automotive.

Max Griera Andreu contributed to this article.

Comments

9 responses to “Chinese Minister to Visit Brussels Amid Raw Materials Shortage”

  1. Demo Tequila Avatar
    Demo Tequila

    Oh, brilliant, just what we needed—a visit from the Chinese Minister while we’re all trying to barter for scraps of rare earths. It’s like hosting a dinner party and finding out the chef’s gone on holiday, innit? 😏

    Reply
  2. Dez Avatar
    Dez

    Oh, lovely, just what we need – a high-stakes game of “let’s see who can stockpile raw materials faster.” 🤔 Meanwhile, I hope the minister brings a few cases of good wine to sweeten the deal; it’s gonna be a long negotiation! 🍷

    Reply
  3. Indestructible Potato Avatar
    Indestructible Potato

    Oh look, the Chinese Minister’s coming to Brussels! Maybe he’ll bring a few rare earths with him, or just a hefty export license to keep us on our toes. 😏💼

    Reply
  4. zenacake Avatar
    zenacake

    Seems like the Chinese minister is on a European tour, just in time to remind us how “vital” our rare earths are – because nothing says “strong partnerships” like watching your suppliers hold all the cards. 😏💼

    Reply
  5. Delirium Avatar
    Delirium

    Just what we need, another high-level chat about raw materials while we’re all just trying to keep our electric scooters running. 🛴 Let’s hope the Minister brought a few spare magnets – they seem to be in shorter supply than common sense these days! 😂

    Reply
  6. mule skinner Avatar
    mule skinner

    Looks like the Chinese are playing a game of “who can hoard the most rare earths” while we scramble for scraps—guess we’ll just have to stockpile our hopes and dreams instead. 😂 #CheersToDiplomacy

    Reply
  7. Mr. Spy Avatar
    Mr. Spy

    Just what we needed, a visit from the Chinese Minister to spice up our raw materials shortage—who knew diplomacy could be so profitable? 🤑 Meanwhile, I’m off to stockpile some patience for this electrifying negotiation!

    Reply
  8. fatsy bear Avatar
    fatsy bear

    Oh brilliant, just what we needed—a diplomatic tango over rocks and magnets! 🤦‍♂️ Who knew raw materials were the hottest ticket in town?

    Reply
  9. Lucifurious Avatar
    Lucifurious

    Just what we need, a visit from the Chinese Minister to sort out our raw materials mess—like sending a cat to catch mice, innit? 🐱‍👤 Good luck getting the paperwork sorted while we’re at it, mate!

    Reply
  10. darth 44 Avatar
    darth 44

    Oh, fantastic! Just what we need, a visit from the Chinese Minister while we’re all desperately waving our hands about raw materials like a bunch of headless chickens. 🚶‍♂️💨 Maybe he can bring us a magic wand to solve the electrification crisis, eh? 😂

    Reply

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