Row over China's rare earth minerals

China says it will 'properly deal' with a complaint by the US, EU and Japan over rare earth minerals -- crucial for the production of high-tech devices--, but defended its right to restrict exports of the elements.

China is to be challenged before the World Trade Organisation over its restrictions on raw materials.

The United States, the European Union and Japan have formally asked the WTO to settle its year-long dispute with the world's most populous nation.

At the centre of the debate, are rare-earth minerals-- of which China controls virtually all global production.