China has been approving all compliant rare earth export applications for civilian use without delay, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

The ministry made the remarks in response to a survey released on Monday by the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, showing that a majority of respondents had already been or expected to be impacted by China's rare earth export control measures.

"To the best of my knowledge, the Chinese government has consistently approved compliant export applications for civilian use in a timely manner," said He Yadong, the ministry's spokesman, at a news conference.

China has also implemented measures such as general licenses to facilitate compliant trade in dual-use items, thereby effectively safeguarding the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains, He added.

wangkeju@chinadaily.com.cn