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China's military weapons
Opinion
SCMP Editorial
SCMP Editorial

Editorial | China’s ban on military-use exports a good start

  • Rare move to halt supply of such materials and tools by China deserves recognition given the geopolitical context of tensions with the US and Russia’s war in Ukraine

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A Chinese Harbin BZK-005 unmanned drone is displayed at the 2023 Dubai Airshow. China’s new export controls on military-related materials comes amid US technology and trade tensions and Western pressure to not back Russia in the Ukraine war. Photo: AFP
SCMP Editorial

China’s new export controls on important military-related materials and tools deserve consideration as an example of responsible behaviour on the global stage. The rare move for Beijing comes against the backdrop of rising tensions with the United States over technology and trade, and Western pressure to not back Russia in its war with Ukraine.

The rules, to go into force on July 1, will restrict exports including equipment used to make aerospace parts and engines, gas turbines – which can be used in warships and tanks – as well as key components for bulletproof vests. Such equipment, software and technology will be barred from being shipped abroad without authorisation, according to a joint statement from the Ministry of Commerce, General Administration of Customs and the Equipment Development Department of the Central Military Commission.

The last time Beijing put such restrictions in place was in September 2023, when it imposed curbs on exports of drones that could have military applications. The commerce ministry said the new rules would “safeguard national security and interests and fulfil international obligations such as non-proliferation”.

Since the Ukraine war intensified in February 2022, the US has sanctioned many Chinese entities for their alleged support for Russia, including the export of equipment with dual civilian and military uses. China dominates the supply chain for many materials critical to military production, and the US and its allies are among the leading markets for such items.

Visitors look at the J-16D electronic warfare variant of the Chinese military’s J-16 aeroplane during Airshow China 2021 in Zhuhai, southern China. China dominates the supply chain for many materials critical to military production, and the US and its allies are among the leading markets for such items. Photo: AP
Visitors look at the J-16D electronic warfare variant of the Chinese military’s J-16 aeroplane during Airshow China 2021 in Zhuhai, southern China. China dominates the supply chain for many materials critical to military production, and the US and its allies are among the leading markets for such items. Photo: AP

European Union officials admit the bloc has been unable to supply Ukraine with enough weapons because China does not supply sufficient nitrocellulose for artillery ammunition.

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