China will control exports of some aviation and space components from July 1, its commerce ministry announced on Thursday, citing a need to protect the country’s national security and interests.
Exporters of certain items, such as aerospace structural components, engine manufacturing equipment, and software, will be required to obtain an export licence, according to a statement jointly issued by China’s customs administration and central military commission.
“In order to safeguard national security and interests, and fulfil international obligations such as non-proliferation, with the approval of the State Council and Central Military Commission, it has been decided to implement export controls on the following items,” the statement read.
The list also included gas turbine engines, moulds for manufacturing spacesuit parts, as well as the equipment and software used to make them, and advanced polymers used in bulletproof clothing.
Exporters will need to apply to the ministry of commerce for an export licence, the statement said, which will decide whether the item in question could find “dual-use” military application.
In late 2020, amidst a heightening trade conflict initiated by tariffs on $300 billion of Chinese goods established during the Trump administration in 2018, Beijing introduced its Export Control Law. Analysts noted that the enactment of this law primarily aimed to streamline and consolidate various pieces of existing legislation into a single, cohesive law.
The United States and European Union, for example, also control the export of various aerospace components over concerns such parts might find “dual-use” application by hostile states.
“China has learned from international practices and implemented export controls on relevant items according to its own needs,” an explanatory note from the commerce ministry said.
“The relevant policy does not target any particular country or region. Exports will be licensed if they comply with the relevant regulations,” it added.
With Inputs From Reuters
