China has imposed export controls on 14 companies from Germany and other European countries in response to the EU’s new sanctions against Russia.
The Commerce Ministry in Beijing on Friday justified the move by saying that the 21st round of sanctions had also put 14 companies from China and the Chinese special administrative region of Hong Kong on the EU list.
The authority said the measure safeguards China’s national security and national interests.
Under the new rules, exporters are prohibited from exporting so-called dual-use goods – items with civilian and military uses – to the EU firms affected, effective immediately.
In addition, foreign individuals or organizations must not provide the companies with any dual-use goods originating from China, it said.
According to the Commerce Ministry, those affected include German arms maker Rheinmetall. Beijing also put companies from Italy, France, Poland, the Netherlands and other countries on the list. The measures took effect immediately.
EU states previously agreed on a new sanctions package linked to Russia’s war against Ukraine. They added 51 entities to a list of bodies facing export restrictions on dual-use goods and technology because they are alleged to have supported Russia’s military and defence industry.
A spokeswoman for the European Commission said: “We are analyzing the measures that were announced … and we will be liaising also with the member states and through them with the companies concerned to understand what is the impact of these measures announced by China.”
“And of course, we will seek then clarification with our counterparts in China in order to better understand what exactly is at stake,” she said.