BEIJING, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government reviews applications for rare earth export licences in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, and approves compliant applications, China's commerce ministry said Thursday.

Ministry spokesperson He Yongqian made the remarks in response to a journalist query regarding China's rare earth export licensing.

Rare earths and related items have obvious dual-use attributes as they can be used for both military and civilian purposes, the spokesperson said, noting that imposing export controls on these items is a common international practice.