BEIJING, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- China's recent export control measures on rare earths and related items have no connection with Pakistan, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Monday.

These measures are legitimate practices adopted by the Chinese government to improve its own export control system in accordance with laws and regulations, Lin noted.

Lin made these remarks at a regular news briefing when asked to comment on media reports that claimed Pakistan, using Chinese equipment and technology, was exporting rare earths to the United States, which allegedly prompted China to introduce new strict regulations on controlling the export of rare earth-related technologies.

Lin said that China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners, and that the ironclad friendship between the two countries has grown even stronger over time. He added that the two sides have always maintained high-level strategic mutual trust and close communication on major issues concerning the common interests of both sides.

"As far as I know, China and Pakistan have had communication on the matter of mineral cooperation between Pakistan and the United States. Pakistan has stressed that its interactions with the United States will never harm China's interests or China-Pakistan cooperation," he said.

He noted that the mineral samples shown and presented by Pakistani leaders to their U.S. counterparts are raw gemstone samples that were purchased by their staff. "The relevant reports either stem from a lack of understanding of the facts, are based on rumors, or intend to sow discord, and are completely unfounded."

Lin stressed that the export control measures aim to better safeguard world peace and regional stability, and to fulfill international obligations such as non-proliferation commitments.