Since July 1, 2024, Beijing has started enforcing export controls on aerospace equipment, engines, and essential materials for bulletproof vests. This decision will affect about $8 billion worth of exports from the first four months of the year.
The new regulations are part of China’s strategy to manage the export of critical technologies and materials, especially those that could be used for military purposes. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, along with other governmental bodies, will oversee the licensing and regulatory processes to ensure alignment with national security interests and international commitments.
China's effort to modernize its export control framework involves stricter license management, better regulatory structures, and more coordinated enforcement mechanisms. These steps aim to balance the promotion of global trade with strict oversight of items that might be used for military or dual purposes.
This move is set against a backdrop of increasing geopolitical tensions and mutual trade restrictions. The U.S. has already imposed several export controls on Chinese firms, targeting semiconductor technology and other advanced fields critical for military and intelligence operations. This development is part of a broader global trend where nations safeguard their technological and national security interests amid rising international competition.