China banned exports of products with potential for civilian and military dual uses to 14 European Union companies on Friday, citing national security concerns.
The move comes a day after the EU imposed similar export restrictions against 51 new entities, including Chinese and Hong Kong companies, which it accused of supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine.
“To protect national security and national interests… China has decided to place 14 EU entities, including Lafert Group, on its export control list,” the Chinese commerce ministry said in a statement.
The ban, which takes effect from Friday, will “prohibit exporters from exporting dual-use items to the aforementioned entities,” it added.
A spokesman for China’s commerce ministry said the ban was “in response to the scandalous actions of the EU” the day before.
The 14 entities include Italian electric motor maker Lafert Group and German arms maker Rheinmetall AG.
Dutch shipbuilding company IHC, which makes heavy offshore equipment, and Czech firm Tatra Trucks, which makes military vehicles, were also listed.
The ban also prohibits overseas organizations and individuals from supplying dual-use items from China to the 14 European entities.
