China’s Ministry of Commerce on Friday announced that it has added seven European Union-based entities to its export control list, citing national security concerns and the need to fulfil international non-proliferation obligations.
According to the ministry, export operators are now prohibited from supplying dual-use items to the listed organisations. The affected entities include FN Herstal, Fabrique Nationale de Herstal; OMNIPOL a.s.; HENSOLDT AG; EXCALIBUR ARMY spol.s.r.o; SPACEKNOW INC., odstepny zavod s.r.o; VZLU AEROSPACE a.s.; and FN Browning.
Authorities further stated that overseas organisations and individuals are also barred from transferring or providing China-origin dual-use goods to these entities. Any ongoing related transactions must be suspended immediately.
The ministry defined dual-use items as goods, technologies, or services that can be used for both civilian and military purposes, including applications linked to weapons development and delivery systems.
A spokesperson for the ministry said the measures were implemented in accordance with Chinese laws and were communicated to the European side through existing bilateral export control dialogue mechanisms prior to the announcement.
Beijing emphasised that the decision targets only a limited number of defence-related entities allegedly involved in arms-related activities connected to Taiwan, and insisted that normal trade and economic cooperation between China and the European Union would not be affected.
The ministry added that legitimate and law-abiding European companies have no reason for concern, reiterating China’s commitment to maintaining global supply chain stability and promoting international peace and security.