China has announced new export restrictions on various military-related materials, a strategic move aimed at safeguarding national security and fulfilling international obligations.
This comes amid escalating trade and political tensions with the United States and its allies.
China's Military Hardware Restrictions Targeting the West
The Chinese government has imposed curbs on the export of several key military-related items. These include:
Equipment used to manufacture aerospace components and gas turbines, crucial for warships and tanks
Key components for bulletproof vests, helmets, and other protective gear
Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene fiber used in body armor and bulletproof plates
Molds for spacesuit visors critical for aerospace and military applications
The South China Morning Post reports that the restrictions will take effect on July 1. Exporting these items without proper authorization will be prohibited, according to a joint statement from the Ministry of Commerce, General Administration of Customs, and the Central Military Commission's Equipment Development Department.
A Chinese soldier prepares a machine gun on an armoured vehicle during the Cambodian-Chinese Dragon Gold-2024 drill at a military police base in Kampong Chhnang province on May 16, 2024. Cambodia and China began their largest-ever joint annual military drills on May 16, 2024 to boost their army capacity amid US concerns that Beijing could use a key Cambodian naval base to expand its influence in the region. Photo by TANG CHHIN SOTHYTANG CHHIN SOTHY/AFP via Getty Images
Why Are These Measures Being Implemented?
SCMP tells us that the primary aim of these restrictions is to "safeguard national security and interests and fulfill international obligations such as non-proliferation," stated the Ministry of Commerce.
This move also responds to increasing pressures from Western nations, particularly the US, to stop aiding Russia amid its ongoing war in Ukraine.
Since the conflict began, several Chinese entities have faced US sanctions for allegedly supporting Russia by exporting dual-use equipment-items that can serve both civilian and military purposes.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the US, in coordination with the European Union, would impose further sanctions on Chinese companies supplying Russia with microelectronics and hi-tech products for defense.
China's new export curbs come at a time when tensions with the US and Europe are rising, particularly over technology and trade issues.
Data from Chinese customs revealed that in the first four months of the year, the US, Vietnam, and Singapore were the top importers of Chinese aerospace products.
The US, India, and Vietnam were the leading importers of gas turbines, highlighting the significant impact these new restrictions could have on international trade.
Major export destinations for ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene fiber included Brazil, Vietnam, the US, and Israel. These restrictions are likely to affect these nations significantly, especially in their defense sectors.
Lu Wei, an advisor at China's public security guard training center, noted that the ban was not targeting any specific countries but rather aimed at setting up a licensing system prioritizing central and state-owned enterprises.
This development follows last September's export curbs on drones that could have military application, illustrating China's increasing regulatory control over critical military materials.
Today, May 31, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and China's Defense Minister Wei Fenghe are scheduled to meet face-to-face for the first time. This meeting will take place at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue security conference in Singapore.
