China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), the General Administration of Customs and the Equipment Development Department of the Central Military Commission issued a joint notice, announcing export controls on certain equipment, software and technologies in key sectors ranging from aerospace to shipbuilding that matter to national security. The new policy will take effect on July 1. Export controls do not mean that the corresponding products cannot be exported, as long as exporters apply properly for permission and pass the review, experts noted. The controlled export products include aerospace structural components in engine manufacturing, gas turbine manufacturing, aerospace surface window-related equipment, and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber-related items. Exporters should submit applications to the provincial commercial departments, and MOFCOM should review the applications or conduct reviews together with relevant government departments.
Anyone who exports these products without permission, exceeds the scope of permission or engages in other illegal activities shall be subject to administrative or criminal penalties in accordance with relevant laws and regulations. China leads the world in some technologies. Due to the advanced and sensitive nature of these technologies, it is important to avoid the risks of the corresponding technologies and items being used in ways that affect China's security but also that of others, Song Guoyou, Deputy Director of the Center for American Studies at Fudan University, told the Global Times.
China has competitive advantages in the production of large structural items in areas such as aerospace and shipbuilding. Prioritizing production capacity for export orders may result in being unable to meet domestic demand. Therefore, ensuring domestic supply is crucial, especially for such critical areas as manned spaceflight that are vital for national security and technological development, Wang Yanan, Chief Editor of Beijing-based Aerospace Knowledge magazine, told the Global Times. The decision to export a certain product depends entirely on the country's own needs, which is within its sovereign rights and doesn't involve violating international laws, Wang noted.
