China planning ‘innovative’ export controls as trade tensions with US rumble on

A meeting held by the Ministry of Commerce heard that the world’s second biggest economy must respond to a ‘severe and complex’ situation

Beijing has recently banned the export of two rare metals and drones with possible military applications

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China recently imposed curbs on exports of gallium and germanium, two metals vital for hi-tech manufacturing. Photo: Reuters

Published: 8:00pm, 3 Sep 2023

China has pledged to find “innovative” ways to strengthen its export controls in the face of similar measures imposed by the United States and growing trade tensions with Europe and India.

The world’s second biggest economy has recently placed curbs on exports of two rare metals and drones with possible military uses.

“We must fully realise the severe and complex international and domestic situation,” a statement released following a two-day meeting organised by the Ministry of Commerce, said.

“We must be oriented by goals and problems, innovate our work and quicken the pace of improving our export control system.”

The meeting, held in Xiongan New Area, a new city about 100km (60 miles) from Beijing, heard that China has been implementing a “scientifically designed, orderly and strongly enforced” export control system.

The nation’s export control law came into effect in 2020, expanding Beijing’s ability to respond to the trade restrictions it faces from other countries.

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