With new export controls, US takes another step to clamp down on China
- New US rules restricting exports to China to prevent sensitive technologies from use by military seen to worsen relations
- ‘This is just one rule out of a number of actions we've seen that are impacting China. And there is more to come,’ legal expert says
New US rules restricting exports to China to prevent sensitive technologies from being used by the Chinese military are the latest development in the deteriorating relationship between the two countries. And the worst is yet to come, legal experts say.
The new rules, which went into effect on June 29, expanded requirements for US exporters to obtain licenses for goods intended for military purposes, including for weapon development, military aircraft or surveillance operations.
The expansion, first introduced by the US Commerce Department in April, also banned exports to any entities in any relationship with China’s People’s Liberation Army, labelling them as potential military end users.
While the rules, also applicable to Russia and Venezuela, have existed for more than a decade, the expansion shows the Trump administration’s commitment to find every angle in its “whole of government” approach to confronting China and containing China’s technological ambitions.
The administration has ratcheted up fights against China, first in trade, then on multiple fronts with a focus on tech. US export policy has toughened extensively. In recent years, the Commerce, Defence and State departments have instituted a slew of regulations to rein in tech transfers to China.
