Beijing investigates imported office equipment in response to US sanctions: why it matters
Among Beijing’s countermeasures in response to the latest US sanctions, an investigation into imported printers and photocopiers stands out
The move raises two questions: why does this matter, and how has seemingly mundane office equipment become a national security concern? Here’s what you need to know.
What is the investigation?
The ministry will examine the import scale, the effect of the products, technologies and services on national security, China’s domestic demand and industrial capabilities, as well as the effects of foreign government policies and measures.
Why is this round different?
The commerce ministry said the move marked China’s first national security investigation into foreign trade.
“The biggest difference is that this probe is rooted in national security risks,” said Wu Xinbo, dean of the Institute of International Studies at Fudan University in Shanghai.