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

China’s new restrictions on rare earth exports have caused significant supply chain disruptions and price instability in global markets, impacting industries like automotive, renewable energy, and defense.

Suppliers of three big U.S. automakers, General Motors,, Ford and Jeep-maker Stellantis got clearance for some rare earth export licenses on Monday, one of the two sources said.