China to impose new export controls on aviation and aerospace equipment

BEIJING : China will impose restrictions on aviation, aerospace-related equipment and technology beginning July 1, the Commerce Ministry said on Thursday. The move is said to be taken to safeguard national security and interests and fulfill international obligations such as non-proliferation. Exports of items designated under the new rules will require export licenses.

According to the announcement jointly released with China’s General Administration of Customs and the Central Military Commission’s equipment development department, the export controls would apply to aircraft and aerospace engines and structural parts, engine manufacturing-related equipment, software and technology.

They also will include tools, molds, fixtures and other processing equipment used to make certain materials such as “superplastic” bonded with titanium, aluminium and their alloys. Both Beijing and Washington have taken steps to restrict the export of products, technology, and equipment deemed critical to national security. In retaliation to US arms sales to Taiwan, China has imposed sanctions on certain American aerospace and defence companies.

These export controls will also apply to technologies involved in the development, manufacturing, and usage of such equipment, according to China’s Commerce Ministry.

The overall impact of these restrictions remains uncertain. While China exports engine parts and other aerospace components and has developed its own jet engines, it still depends on foreign suppliers for crucial parts in aircraft production that utilizes domestic technology and manufacturing.