China is stepping up its efforts to control the export of items with both military and civilian applications, a move that has implications for global trade and technology. The new regulations, approved by the State Council last week, aim to strengthen national security.
These stricter export controls represent a refinement of the 2020 export control law, which aimed to regulate the export of sensitive technologies, including nuclear technology, missiles, biotechnology, and chemicals. The new regulations address the need for more precise control over items that have emerged with dual-use potential, like communication and remote control technologies, as well as key raw materials.
Lu Xiang, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, highlighted the importance of balancing normal trade with restrictions on exports that could pose security risks. He emphasized that the new regulations are timely, given the evolving nature of technology and its potential military applications.
China’s tightening of export controls comes amid escalating tensions with the United States. The Biden administration has recently announced significant tariff hikes on Chinese imports, including a 100% duty on Chinese electric vehicles, a 50% duty on solar cells, and a 50% duty on Chinese semiconductors scheduled to take effect next year.
Experts believe that China’s further export controls could accelerate the global fragmentation of technology and supply chains. Chong Ja Ian, an associate professor at the National University of Singapore, noted that these actions could have far-reaching implications for international trade and technological collaboration.
While China denies accusations of supplying dual-use products to Russia, the timing of these new export controls suggests a heightened focus on national security amid growing geopolitical tensions. The move highlights the complex dynamics at play in global trade and the increasing importance of technology in national security strategies.
