EU, US and Japan issue WTO complaint against China

The European Union, the United States and Japan have complained to the World Trade Organisation saying China is limiting its export of rare earths, minerals vital to the production of high-tech goods.

China accounts for more than 90% of global production of 17 rare earth minerals that are used to make goods including hybrid cars, weapons, flat-screen TVs, mobile phones, mercury-vapour lights, and camera lenses.