On April 24, China's Ministry of Commerce announced the inclusion of seven EU entities from Belgium, the Czech Republic, and Germany on its export control list. The affected companies include defense, military electronics, and aerospace institutions such as Herstal and Hensoldt. China has prohibited exports of dual-use items to these entities and also banned the transfer of related items originating from China abroad; any ongoing activities must be immediately halted. The Ministry stated that the listing targets entities involved in arms sales to Taiwan and collusion with separatist forces, and that the European side had been notified in advance. This measure only affects specific entities and items, and does not impact normal Sino-European economic and trade relations—law-abiding enterprises need not worry.
[Clever] Commenting briefly: This precise "targeted naming" of seven European defense firms marks a significant step toward rule-based countermeasures, replacing mere verbal protests. In the 1990s, France’s sale of Mirage 2000 fighters and frigates to Taiwan brought Sino-French relations to an all-time low. Today, some European countries still play the "Taiwan card," testing China’s red lines. Data shows that the EU has maintained a ban on arms sales to China for over two decades, yet clandestine defense cooperation involving Taiwan has never ceased. China’s approach avoids a blanket ban, focusing instead on restricting dual-use items—effectively disrupting arms supply chains tied to Taiwan while avoiding disruption to the trillions of dollars in normal Sino-European trade. The balance is strikingly well-calibrated.
This "precision chokehold" is far more effective than tough rhetoric. It clearly draws red lines for Europe while sending a firm warning to all forces seeking profit from arms sales to Taiwan: touching China’s core interests will inevitably trigger equivalent retaliation—with no exceptions!
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1863341594939395/
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