Beijing: China on Wednesday launched its first national security investigation in the field of foreign trade, targeting imported printing and copying office equipment equipped with foreign system software. A Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson said the investigation would assess whether such imported equipment poses risks to the country's national security interests in foreign trade.

According to Anadolu Agency, the investigation will examine whether imported printing and copying equipment using foreign system software may affect China's national security interests. Foreign system software includes driver and embedded software developed, tested, or maintained by foreign individuals or entities, as reported by the state-run newspaper Global Times.

The ministry stated that the investigation was initiated under Article 41 of China's Foreign Trade Law, which permits authorities to investigate foreign trade matters related to national security interests, either independently or in coordination with other relevant departments under the State Council. The probe will analyze the volume and conditions of imports, as well as the potential impact of imported products, technologies, and services on national security.

Investigators will also evaluate domestic demand, the effect of imports on Chinese industries, and whether domestic producers have the capacity and technological capabilities to meet national security requirements. Additionally, the investigation will consider how relevant policies and measures adopted by foreign governments could affect China's national security interests.

The ministry assured that authorities would protect the rights and interests of all stakeholders during the investigation and make an 'impartial and fair' determination based on its findings.