China Restricts
Exports of Military-Related Materials, from Bulletproof Vests to Plane Parts
·
Ban
will enter effect on July 1 and major export destinations of some banned
materials in recent months included the US and Israel
·
Move
is intended to ‘safeguard national security … fulfil international obligations
such as non-proliferation’
Beijing
announced export controls on various military-related materials and tools on
Thursday, including those for producing parts and engines of aerospace
equipment and gas turbines – which can be used for marine vessels and tanks –
as well as key components for bulletproof vests.
Taking
effect on July 1, relevant equipment, software and technology will not be
allowed to be exported without authorisation, according to a statement jointly
released by the Ministry of Commerce, General Administration of Customs and
Central Military Commission’s Equipment Development Department.
“It’s
set to safeguard national security and interests and fulfil international
obligations such as non-proliferation,” according to a statement from the
commerce ministry.
The
rare move from Beijing comes amid rising tensions surrounding technology and
trade with the United States, as well as heightening pressure from the West to
stop aiding Russia amid its war with Ukraine.
According
to China’s customs data, the US, Vietnam and Singapore were the top-three
importers from China of products related to aircraft and spacecraft
manufacturing specified on the list in the first four months of the year.
The
US, India and Vietnam were the top-three importers of restricted goods related
to gas turbines in the same period, the data showed. Gas turbines can be used
in military combat ships, and in large vehicles such as tanks.
Also
included in the list is ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene fibre, which
can be used for protective equipment such as bulletproof helmets, body armour,
bulletproof inserts and bulletproof plates.
Chinese
customs data showed that major export destinations of the material from January
to April were Brazil, Vietnam, US and Israel.
“The
relevant policies do not target any specific country or region,” the commerce
ministry statement said.
“The
Chinese government firmly safeguards world peace and stability in surrounding
areas, ensures the security of global industrial and supply chains, and
promotes the development of compliant trade.
“At
the same time, we oppose any country or region using controlled items from
China to engage in activities that harm China’s national sovereignty, security
and development interests.”
Exporters
need to submit contacts, technical descriptions or test reports of export
items, as well as the introduction of importers and end users for the review
and approval of commerce authorities, according to the statement.
The
export of items that have a significant impact on national security shall be
submitted to the State Council for final approval, it said.