MOFCOM spokesperson He Yadong at a press conference on December 28, 2023 Photo: Tao Mingyang/GT

China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) has approved graphite export applications from multiple entities, a ministry spokesperson said on Thursday, reiterating that its export control mechanism is not a ban.

Exercising exports control measures on certain graphite products is of common international practice and the China's export control rules are aimed at fulfilling international non-proliferation obligations and safeguarding China's national security and interests, ministry spokesperson He Yadong told a press briefing on Thursday.

He made the remarks in response to reports that some Chinese graphite exporters are cleared to export their products to major South Korean battery companies.

China in October announced plans to optimize export controls on some categories of graphite, a key material in making electric vehicle battery, with new rules taking effect on December 1. The export of artificial graphite materials and related products with high purity, high strength and high density, as well as natural flake graphite and associated products, is subject to the new rules. China is the world's largest producer and exporter of graphite.

Due to China's critical role in the global graphite supply chain, the export control measures received immediate attention abroad.

He emphasized that China's export control measures should not been seen as outright export ban and the ministry has approved a number of graphite export applications that comply with relevant regulations.

The ministry will continue to review other license applications and make decisions in accordance with legal procedures, He said.

Experts said China's export control rules on certain graphite items are restrained and professional and are in line with international practice.

Earlier, the ministry said that China remains committed to maintaining the security and stability of the global industrial and supply chains.