China slaps dual-use export ban on US corporations

Boeing, Lockheed Martin and other defense contractors have been targeted

China has banned sales of dual-use products to 28 American military suppliers over increased concerns about national security, the country’s Commerce Ministry announced on Thursday.

Dual-use items are goods, technologies, and services that may be used either for both civil and military purposes and could contribute to an increase in military potential; in particular in the design, development, production, or use of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery.

“To safeguard national security and interests, and fulfil international obligations including non-proliferation, [the latest action was taken] based on China’s export control law and regulation on export control of dual-use items,” the Commerce Ministry said.

The sanctions list includes 28 US defense contractors with General Dynamics, Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Raytheon among them.

Ten of the sanctioned corporations were added to a list of unreliable entities over Washington’s arms sales to the self-ruled island of Taiwan, the ministry announced in a separate statement. It includes five subsidiaries of Lockheed Martin and three of General Dynamics, as well as Raytheon Missile Systems and a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Raytheon.

READ MORE: Biden approves more military aid for Taiwan

The White House officially adheres to the One-China policy, recognizing Taiwan as part of China, but simultaneously engages in military cooperation with the government in Taipei, drawing indignation from Beijing. Chinese authorities have repeatedly denounced US arms sales to the island, accusing Washington of fomenting tensions.

Last week, China placed seven US defense and aerospace firms on its sanctions list in response to continued arms sales to Taiwan. The move came shortly after the US Senate approved a $895 billion defense bill that included numerous measures intended to bolster military support for Taipei.