China restricts exports to 14 EU entities citing national security concerns

China banned exports of products with the potential for dual civilian and military uses to 14 European Union companies on Friday, citing national security concerns.

The move comes a day after the EU imposed similar export restrictions against 51 new entities, including Chinese and Hong Kong companies, which it accused of supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine.

“In order to safeguard national security and national interests… China has decided to place 14 EU entities including Lafert Group on its export control list,” the Chinese commerce ministry said in a statement.

The ban, which takes effect from Friday, will “prohibit exporters from exporting dual-use items to the above-mentioned entities”, it added.

A Chinese commerce ministry spokesperson said ban was “responding to egregious actions by the EU” a day earlier.

The 14 entities include Italian electric motor producer Lafert Group, and German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall AG.

Dutch shipbuilding company IHC, which produces offshore heavy equipment, and Czech firm Tatra Trucks, which makes military vehicles, were also listed.

The ban also prohibits overseas organisations and individuals from supplying dual-use items from China to the 14 European entities.