The commerce ministry on Tuesday said it had informed the US about the rare earth export controls Beijing announced last week prior to their introduction, adding that working-level talks between the two sides took place on Monday.

Reiterating that its export controls are to safeguard national security, the statement from a commerce ministry spokesperson said the US cannot seek talks with China while also making threats, after President Donald Trump on Friday announced additional tariffs on Chinese goods from November 1.

The spokesman also urged Washington to "correct its wrongdoings as soon as possible, show sincerity for trade talks, and work with China in the same direction."

The statement was issued after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday said US President Donald Trump remains on track to meet President Xi Jinping in South Korea in late October as the two sides try to de-escalate tensions over tariff threats and export controls.

China had announced last week that it would dramatically expand its rare earths export controls, drawing a sharp countermeasure from Trump that sent markets and relations between the world's two largest economies into a spiral.

Bessent said there were substantial communications between the two sides over the weekend and more meetings were expected.

"We have substantially de-escalated," Bessent said in an interview with Fox Business Network.

"President Trump said that the tariffs would not go into effect until November 1. He will be meeting with Party Chair Xi in Korea. I believe that meeting will still be on."

Trump and Xi had planned to meet during the summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum hosted by South Korea in late October.

Bessent said there would be staff-level meetings between the two sides this week in Washington on the sidelines of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund annual gatherings.

"The 100 percent tariff does not have to happen," Bessent said.

"The relationship, despite this announcement last week, is good. Lines of communication have reopened, so we'll see where it goes."

Under China's new regulations, foreign companies producing some of the rare earths and related magnets on the list will now also need a Chinese export license if the final product contains or is made with Chinese equipment or material. This applies even if the transaction includes no Chinese companies.

The United States would reject licensing requirements from China, Bessent said in the interview on "Mornings with Maria." (Reuters, Xinhua)