BEIJING (Reuters) -China’s commerce ministry said on Thursday that “a certain number” of rare earth export licence applications had been approved, but declined to give further details such as the exact amount and how many had been extended to U.S. firms.

“China will continue to strengthen the approval process for compliant applications, and is willing to further enhance communication and dialogue with relevant countries on export controls,” He Yadong, a ministry spokesperson told a regular news conference.

(Reporting by Joe Cash; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)