China Retaliates Against EU With Export Controls on 14 Companies Over Russia Sanctions

Beijing announced Friday that it would restrict exports to 14 European organizations in response to the European Union’s decision to sanction Chinese enterprises tied to supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The retaliatory measure, announced by China’s Commerce Ministry, blocks the transfer of dual-use goods—products with both civilian and military applications—from Chinese companies to the targeted European entities.

The affected European firms include Czech automaker Tatra Trucks, Italian motor manufacturer Lafert SpA, German-based Sindlhauser Materials GmbH and French unmanned aircraft developer Cavok UAS. Foreign companies are also prohibited from supplying these 14 organizations with dual-use items manufactured in China under the new restrictions.

China’s Commerce Ministry characterized the action as necessary to protect national security and uphold international non-proliferation standards in light of what it described as the EU’s “egregious actions.” The retaliatory restrictions follow the EU’s adoption Thursday of its 21st sanctions package against Russia, which targeted financial institutions, cryptocurrency platforms and weapons manufacturers.

The EU’s latest sanctions package also named enterprises from China, India and Turkey suspected of supplying Russia with dual-use goods and technological support. Thursday’s action marked the EU’s most recent effort to tighten economic pressure on Moscow and entities assisting its military operations in Ukraine.