China imposes export ban on dual-use materials to 14 European entities

Beijing, April 24 (KUNA) -- China announced on Friday that it has imposed export restrictions on products that can be used for both civilian and military purposes to 14 entities in the European Union, a move it described as aimed at “safeguarding national security and interests.” Xinhua News Agency quoted the Ministry of Commerce as saying it had decided to add the 14 EU entities to its export control list for dual-use items, in response to the EU’s announcement yesterday sanctioning 14 Chinese entities, including companies in Hong Kong, over allegations of supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. The ministry clarified that “this step aims to safeguard national security and interests and to fulfill China’s international obligations regarding the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.” It added that “exporters are prohibited from exporting dual-use goods to the 14 European entities, and organizations and individuals outside Chinese territory are barred from transferring or providing them with dual-use materials of Chinese origin.” The targeted European entities include Italian companies Lavert S.p.A. and Garnet S.r.l., German company Rheinmetall AG, French company Impacts S.A., Dutch company IHC Merwede Holding B.V., and Czech company Tatra Trucks a.s. (End) S.L.Q. / G.A.