Beirut: China on Wednesday said it would tighten export controls on drone-related dual-use items bound for the US, citing "national security." The Commerce Ministry said the move aims to safeguard "national security and interests" and fulfill international obligations, including non-proliferation.
According to Anadolu Agency, exports to the US of drones, key components, and related technologies included on China's dual-use export control list "shall be subject to case-by-case strict review and shall not be eligible for licensing facilitation measures." The new rules took effect immediately on Wednesday.
The decision comes in response to the US ramping up restrictions on Chinese technology. The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently proposed banning imports of certain foreign-made military-grade drones, a move widely perceived as targeting Chinese manufacturers. The FCC also added advanced robotic devices, such as humanoid robots and quadrupeds, to its "Covered List" of equipment deemed too risky for sale in the US, many of which are Chinese-made.
Furthermore, Washington recently blacklisted 43 Chinese companies over allegations of links to forced labor involving Uyghurs and other minority groups. In a retaliatory move, Beijing's restrictions included suspending the post-certification factory follow-up inspections conducted by US certification bodies, launching a national security investigation in foreign trade, and targeting imported office equipment with foreign system software.
US-based Compliance Testing LLC was named on China's countermeasure list, prohibiting organizations and individuals in China from engaging in transactions or cooperation with the company. Six US entities, including Applied DNA Sciences, Inc., Stratum Reservoir, LLC, and Altana Technologies, Inc., were also targeted for "assisting and supporting Washington's illegal sanctions" related to Xinjiang. The measures against these entities were implemented immediately.
The ministry spokesperson urged Washington to withdraw the relevant measures, "cease its wrongdoings," and return to the "correct track of resolving differences through friendly consultation and cooperation." The spokesperson warned that if the US persists with new restrictive measures against China, Beijing will "take further countermeasures."