- April 24, 2026
- Latest Update: April 24, 2026 8:43 pm
- 1 minute read
BEIJING, April 24 (dpa) – China has added seven companies from the European Union to an export control list, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Commerce in Beijing on Friday.
The authorities cited the protection of national security as the reason for the move.
German defence contractor Hensoldt is among the firms added to the list. The others are based in Belgium and the Czech Republic.
Export firms in China are now prohibited from supplying dual-use goods – meaning those that can be used for both civilian and military purposes – to the affected companies.
Chinese companies are also not permitted to sell goods originating in China to the sanctioned firms, the statement added.
Beijing had informed Brussels of its actions in advance via the dialogue mechanism on export controls, the Ministry of Commerce said.
A spokesman for the ministry emphasized in the statement that the measure does not affect normal trade relations between China and the EU. Rather, China was acting in accordance with the law, as the companies in question had been involved in arms sales to Taiwan.
China regards Taiwan as part of its territory and has repeatedly threatened to bring the island republic under its control, if necessary by military means.
Taiwan relies on arms supplies from abroad for its defence. The US is considered the most important supporter of the country, which has a population of more than 23 million.
--NNN-dpa
