WTO上訴機構駁回中國稀土案上訴

A World Trade Organisation panel has upheld a ruling that China broke trade rules by restricting exports of rare earths, minerals used in high-tech products, including hybrid cars, mobile phones, wind turbines and energy-efficient lighting.

世界貿易組織(WTO)一專家委員會維持了有關中國限制稀土出口違反貿易規則的裁決。稀土用於高科技產品，包括混合動力汽車、手機、風力發電機和節能燈。

The organisation's appellate body affirmed a March ruling against China, in a significant victory for the US, EU and Japan.

WTO上訴機構確認了今年3月作出的對中國不利的裁決，這是美國、歐盟(EU)以及日本的巨大勝利。

Michael Froman, the US trade representative, said he was pleased that the US had prevailed in the case.

美國貿易代表邁克•弗洛曼(Michael Froman)表示，他對於美國的勝訴感到滿意。

"We have sent a clear signal to our trading partners that we will be tenacious in protecting American businesses, American workers, and the rule of law. By upholding rules on fair access to raw materials, this decision is a win not only for the United Sates, but also for every nation that respects the principles of openness and fairness. Those principles are the pillars of the rules-based global trading system, and we must protect them vigilantly."

“我們向我們的貿易伙伴傳達了一個明確信號：我們將堅決保護美國企業、美國員工以及法治。通過維持有關平等獲取原材料的規定，這一裁決不僅是美國的勝利，也是所有尊重公開和公平原則的國家的勝利。這些原則是基於規則的全球貿易體系的支柱，我們必須小心保護。”

China accounts for 90 per cent of global production of the 17 elements – including lanthanum, tungsten, neodymium and molybdenum – known as rare earths.

中國佔全球17種被稱爲稀土的元素產量的90%，包括鑭、鎢、釹和鉬。

Beijing's export restriction was first introduced in 2009. Two years later, the cost of some rare earths had soared by as much as 500 per cent amid fears of a global shortage.

中國於2009年首次實行出口限制。兩年後，由於市場擔心全球供應短缺，一些稀土的價格飆升500%。