More Work Needed to Persuade Beijing to Grant Rare Earth Export Licenses, German Minister Says

Wadephul also said that the security and prosperity of Germany and Europe ‘are closely tied to China.’

German Minister for Foreign Affairs Johann Wadephul attends a press conference in Paris on July 18, 2025. Abdul Saboor/Reuters

More progress is needed to convince Beijing to grant rare earth licences to German manufacturers, the German finance minister said on Dec. 8 during a visit to China.

“We have received signals, but there is still quite a lot of work to be done,” Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul told German broadcaster ZDF.