China announced Friday it is placing 14 European entities on an export control list, a move Beijing stated is in retaliation for the European Union's decision to sanction 14 Chinese enterprises as part of its latest measures against Russia.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce stated that Chinese companies are prohibited from exporting dual-use items—goods that can serve both civilian and military purposes—to the affected European organizations. Furthermore, foreign companies are barred from supplying these 14 entities with dual-use items manufactured in China.
Among the European companies targeted are Czech vehicle manufacturer Tatra Trucks, Italian electric motor producer Lafert SpA, German firm Sindlhauser Materials GmbH, and French drone manufacturer Cavok UAS.
A spokesperson for China's Commerce Ministry explained that these measures are a response to the EU's actions on Thursday, which added 14 mainland Chinese and Hong Kong enterprises to its sanctions list related to Russia's ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The spokesperson added that the measures aim to "safeguard national security and interests, and to fulfill international obligations such as non-proliferation, in response to the E.U.’s egregious actions."
The EU's 21st package of sanctions against Russia, adopted on Thursday, targets entities including banks, cryptocurrency companies, and military equipment manufacturers. This package also included entities from countries such as China, India, and Turkey, which the EU believes are providing dual-use goods and technology to Russia.