China adds 14 EU entities to export control list over Russia-related sanctions
China's Response to EU Sanctions and Export Controls
Immediate Ban on Dual-Use Item Exports
BEIJING, July 24 (Reuters) - China is banning the export of dual-use items to 14 additional European Union entities with immediate effect, the Commerce Ministry said on Friday, adding that the measure was in response to the EU's latest sanctions against Russia.
Background on EU Sanctions Against Russia
The EU adopted on Thursday its 21st package of sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine, and the Commerce Ministry said 14 Chinese mainland and Hong Kong enterprises had been put under sanction.
Entities Affected by China's Export Ban
The European entities banned by China from receiving dual-use items include German automotive and arms manufacturer Rheinmetall AG and Polish electronics company Vigo Photonics S.A., the ministry said in a statement.
Prohibitions and Exceptions
It said foreign organisations and individuals were also prohibited from transferring or supplying dual-use items originating in China to the entities, while Chinese exporters may apply for permission in exceptional cases.
EU Commission's Reaction
In response, EU Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho said the bloc was analysing China's newly announced measures and would liaise with member states and with the companies concerned.
Seeking Clarification from China
"We will seek clarification with our counterparts in China in order to better understand what is at stake," she said.
Understanding Dual-Use Items and Previous Export Controls
Definition of Dual-Use Items
Dual-use items are goods, software or technologies that have both civilian and military applications, including certain rare earth elements that are essential for making drones and chips.
China's Export Control List History
Beijing's export control list has most frequently targeted U.S. and Japanese entities. In April, it placed seven European entities on the list over arms sales to Taiwan in a rare case of Europe-targeted sanctions linked to the Taiwan issue.
EU's Expanded Export Curbs
New Entities Added to EU Export Curbs
The EU said in a statement on Thursday that it had added 51 new entities - including some based in China - to the list of those subject to tighter export curbs on dual-use goods and technologies due to their support of Russia's military and industrial complex.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Beijing Newsroom; Additional reporting by Inti Landauro in Brussels;Editing by Gareth Jones and Helen Popper)
