China brings in new export controls on hi-tech products amid ongoing rivalry with US
- Key technologies covering areas such as laser radars, drones and biotechnology will be subject to export bans or restrictions with immediate effect
- The move comes in the wake of US controls on certain products, particularly relating to chips, that could be used by China for military purposes
China has slapped fresh export controls on key technologies, including laser radars, drones and biotechnology products.
It comes amid an intensifying technological rivalry with the United States and some of its allies that has led to tighter export controls on certain products – particularly those related to advanced artificial intelligence chips – “because they could be used for military uses and modernisation”.
An updated catalogue of technologies facing export bans and restrictions was issued on Thursday jointly by the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Commerce. It takes effect immediately.
In July Beijing imposed export restrictions on two critical elements – gallium and germanium and several of their compounds – in retaliation for earlier measures targeting the Chinese semiconductor industry.
The latest export controls are intended to “safeguard national security, the public interest or public morality”, the ministries said.
Other reasons cited included “protecting the health or safety of humans, animals and plants and the environment”, as well as complying with domestic laws or international treaties and agreements.