EU Asks WTO to Arbitrate in China 'tungsten and rare earth' Row

The European Union has asked WTO to arbitrate in a row about China's export restrictions on "rare earth" minerals.

Talks between China and the EU, along with the US and Japan, failed to resolve the dispute in April.

China, which produces 97% of the world's rare earths, could now face litigation from the WTO.

In addition to rare earths, the complaint covers tungsten and molybendum.

The EU, US and Japan complained to the WTO in earlier in the year, saying that China's increased export duties and reduced export quotas were unfairly benefiting its own companies.

Beijing says that its restrictions are needed to protect the environment, conserve supplies and meet domestic demand.