The comments mark progress on matters that have vexed China's relationship with the European Union over the past year.

Beijing insists it has met its commitments to “suspend or cancel” its nontariff retaliatory measures to Trump’s April 2 “Liberation Day” tariffs. China announced restrictions on seven rare earths and magnets on April 4, although it never officially said this was in retaliation.

China has agreed to fast-track approvals for the shipment of rare earth minerals to the United States and some European Union nations.