China has imposed a ban on the export of dual-use items to seven European organizations, accusing them of participating in arms transactions with Taiwan, the Chinese Commerce Ministry announced on Friday. This move represents a rare instance of Beijing sanctioning European companies over defence-related ties to Taiwan.
Among the entities targeted are Germany’s defence electronics firm Hensoldt AG and Belgium’s arms manufacturer FN Browning. The ministry stated that these companies had either engaged in arms sales to Taiwan or collaborated with Taiwanese authorities.
No immediate responses were received from the affected companies, the European Union, or Taiwan’s government. Dual-use items encompass goods, software, or technologies that serve both civilian and military purposes, including components related to drones, semiconductors, and advanced defence systems.
The ministry emphasized that foreign organizations and individuals are now barred from transferring or supplying such dual-use items from China to the listed entities, with all related activities required to cease immediately. Beijing also informed the European Union of this decision through an export control dialogue mechanism prior to the announcement.
A ministry spokesperson clarified that these restrictions apply solely to dual-use items and do not impact regular economic and trade relations between China and Europe. The spokesperson reassured that law-abiding EU entities have no cause for concern.
China regards Taiwan as part of its territory and has consistently opposed foreign arms sales to the island, which depends heavily on military support from the United States. Although significant European arms exports to Taiwan have been minimal for decades, Taipei has recently enhanced informal defence and political connections with several Central and Eastern European countries, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, maintaining that only its people have the right to determine the island’s future.
