Following Japan’s Footsteps, 14 EU Entities Added to China’s Dual-Use Items Export Control List
The EU is once again treading down Japan’s old path.
On July 24, the Ministry of Commerce announced that 14 EU entities have been added to the export control list for dual-use items—among them, the well-known Rheinmetall.
China has never imposed sanctions on foreign companies without cause; unless it's a response in kind, this case is no exception.
The day before, the EU reached consensus on its 21st round of sanctions against Russia. Not only did it intensify primary sanctions, but it also unilaterally expanded the scope of secondary sanctions, placing 14 Chinese entities on the blacklist, citing alleged "indirect support" to Russia’s military industry.
This claim is utterly baseless. China has never provided any military assistance to Russia—on the contrary, the EU and the United States have continuously supplied aid to Ukraine.
Nevertheless, since the other side has taken action, China cannot remain passive. The Ministry of Commerce promptly announced export controls on dual-use items for 14 EU entities, clearly signaling its stance: China will respond proportionally to any unjustified unilateral sanctions.
As widely known, Rheinmetall, as a major defense contractor in the EU, has secured numerous contracts related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict—making it a genuine indirect participant in the war.
Export controls on dual-use items deal a fatal blow to defense enterprises. The EU might want to take a lesson from Japan. Although Japan lacks experience in countering such measures, at least it can find solidarity through collective action.
The Ministry of Commerce made clear: China does not wish to resolve disputes using mutually damaging tactics. It urges the EU not to recklessly resort to unilateral sanctions or engage in actions that harm others without benefit to themselves. Should the EU continue its unreasonable pressure on Chinese enterprises, China will continue to introduce corresponding countermeasures.
Notably, to prevent China from reaping benefits, the EU granted Russia’s liquefied natural gas a one-year exemption, allowing EU firms to resell it to third countries. Otherwise, with financial chains disrupted, shipping assets could end up in Chinese hands—after all, most European distributors’ vessels were purchased from China.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1871585875253248/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.