China’s Ministry of Commerce has announced a ban on the supply of dual-use goods to 28 U.S. defense companies, citing national security concerns.
According to South China Morning Post, this move targets companies involved in the production of military and defense technologies.
"In order to ensure national security and interests, the authorities took these measures based on the export control law and regulations governing dual-use goods," the Ministry of Commerce stated. The restrictions are also tied to China’s commitment to preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
The affected companies include major U.S. defense contractors such as General Dynamics, Boeing Defense, Space & Security, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and Raytheon Missiles & Defense.
Tensions Over Taiwan Arms Sales
In a related announcement, the Ministry of Commerce added dozens of foreign defense companies to its list of "unreliable contractors" due to their involvement in arms sales to Taiwan.
China has consistently opposed U.S. military support for Taiwan, viewing such actions as a violation of its sovereignty under the “one China principle.”
This principle, established after the Chinese Civil War in 1949, asserts that both mainland China (People’s Republic of China) and Taiwan (Republic of China) are part of a single sovereign state. While many countries maintain unofficial cultural and economic ties with Taiwan, they do not formally recognize it as independent.
The United States provides military aid to Taiwan, which China views as a threat to its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The recent restrictions on U.S. defense companies are seen as a response to ongoing arms sales to the island, a contentious issue in Sino-American relations.
