China restricts exports of military-related materials, from bulletproof vests to plane parts

South China Morning Post
Ji Siqi
30 May 2024

• Ban will take effect on July 1 and major export destinations of some banned materials in recent months included the US and Israel
• Move is intended to ‘safeguard national security … fulfil international obligations such as non-proliferation’

Beijing announced export controls on various military-related materials and tools on Thursday.

The restricted items include 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.

The rules come into force on July 1 and equipment, software and technology affected by the ban will not be allowed to be exported without authorisation, according to a statement jointly released by the Ministry of Commerce, General Administration of Customs and Central Military Commission’s Equipment Development Department.

“It’s set to safeguard national security and interests and fulfil international obligations such as non-proliferation,” according to a statement from the commerce ministry…