EU Sanctions Chinese Firms as Beijing Targets Czech's Tatra

China has announced export restrictions on 14 European companies in the defense and technology sectors, according to Politico.

The move is a direct response to the European Union's decision to place 14 Chinese and Hong Kong companies on a sanctions list over suspicions that they helped Russia circumvent Western sanctions.

Beijing has called Brussels' move unacceptable and announced countermeasures. Companies subject to the new restrictions include German defense contractor Rheinmetall, Czech truck manufacturer Tatra, Dutch firm IHC Merwede and several companies producing optical and laser technologies.

Chinese exporters are now prohibited from supplying these firms with dual-use goods, meaning products usable in both civilian and military sectors.

Exceptions will be made only where Chinese authorities grant a special license. According to several estimates, up to 90% of the sanctioned goods still reaching Russia pass through China.

(mja)