China has announced that it will restrict exports of certain materials and goods for military products. Starting from July 1, the export of specific items such as bulletproof vest materials, turbine engine parts, and other critical materials for producing marine vessels and tanks will be restricted.
This move is aimed at safeguarding national security and fulfilling international obligations related to non-proliferation. The export of relevant equipment, software, and technology will require authorisation from the Ministry of Commerce, the General Administration of Customs, and the Central Military Commission’s Equipment Development Department. This announcement comes just before Admiral Dong Jun’s debut as the country’s newly appointed defence minister at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.
“It’s set to safeguard national security and interests and fulfil international obligations such as non-proliferation,” a statement from the commerce ministry said. Amid increasing tensions between Beijing and some of its trading partners like the US and Europe, export restrictions have been implemented. This is particularly evident in relation to major conflicts, including the ongoing situation in Ukraine.
Based on China’s customs data, the top three importers of aircraft and spacecraft manufacturing-related products from China during the first four months of the year were the US, Vietnam, and Singapore. However, the commerce ministry said in a statement that the relevant policies do not target any specific country or region. The list encompasses ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene fibre, which is suitable for applications in protective gear such as bulletproof helmets, body armour, bulletproof inserts, and plates.
This recent series of bans follows China’s previous ban on the export of certain raw materials, including gallium and germanium. These bans, implemented in September of last year, were perceived as an effort to impact US microchip manufacturers. Export approval is required for all transactions. The action was seen as a reciprocal response to the US restrictions on advanced microchip exports to China, aimed at hindering China’s progress in the industry.
The commerce ministry also said in their statement, “the Chinese government firmly safeguards world peace and stability in surrounding areas, ensures the security of global industrial and supply chains, and promotes the development of compliant trade. At the same time, we oppose any country or region using controlled items from China to engage in activities that harm China’s national sovereignty, security, and development interests.”
As per the statement, exporters are required to provide contact information, technical descriptions, or test reports of export items, along with the details of importers and end users, for review and approval by commerce authorities. Additionally, it was mentioned that items with a significant impact on national security must be submitted to the State Council for final approval.
Shangri-La Dialogue
Admiral Dong Jun, China’s first naval officer appointed as the country’s defence minister, is set to make his international debut at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. His debut comes amid escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea. During the event, Dong is expected to take a strong stance in his meetings, including a crucial encounter with US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin. The recent military exercises conducted by Beijing around Taiwan and the confrontations in the South China Sea are likely to be the focal points of discussions.
This weekend, the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia’s leading defence summit, will bring together hundreds of delegates from the global security community in Singapore. The Shangri-La Dialogue is an annual “Track One” inter-governmental security conference held in Singapore by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, an independent think tank.
Scheduled from Friday May 31 to Sunday at the Shangri-La Singapore hotel, the 21st edition of the dialogue provides a platform for government officials, business leaders, and security experts to address critical regional security issues through speeches, debates, and private meetings.
Originating in 2002 as a small gathering of around a dozen defence ministers at the Shangri-La hotel in Singapore in response to global security concerns and terror attacks like 9/11, the event was initially called the Asia Security Conference. It began with fourteen defence ministers and 160 delegates, including a delegation from the United States led by its deputy defence secretary.
Over the years, the summit expanded its sessions and guest list and was eventually named after the hotel where it is traditionally held. In the fifth year, high-level officials from China participated, and by 2018, nearly 50 countries were represented. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was cancelled in 2020 and 2021.
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