China targets tighter controls on its growing arms trade

Beijing’s weapons business is expanding but export regulations are fragmented, the country’s commerce minister says

Legislation would shed light on an opaque system and bring it into line with international standards, according to analysts

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China has become one of the world’s biggest suppliers of weapons. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 9:00pm, 25 Dec 2019Updated: 11:21pm, 25 Dec 2019

China is set to introduce legislation to tighten control over the country’s opaque sales of arms and nuclear technology, as it becomes a bigger player in the global weapons trade.

China’s top legislative body, the National People’s Congress, is considering a draft law that would specify restricted goods, technology and services, including dual-use nuclear products.

Commerce Minister Zhong Shan said the legislation was needed to consolidate the country’s fragmented export controls.

“The scope of the restricted items, and the controls on them are not completely in line with those of other countries, and are outdated,” Zhong said.

Under the law, exporters would have to establish an internal compliance review system to ensure the items were properly used.

There would also be a blacklist of importers who violated the end-use terms of the technology, endangered national security, or used controlled items for terrorism.