China's Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Science and Technology have recently updated the Catalogue of Technologies Prohibited and Restricted from Export. Contrary to the immediate backlash from some countries, the revision saw a reduction in the number of protected technologies from 164 to 134 items.
While other nations criticize China for safeguarding its key technologies, a closer look reveals that China’s export restrictions are actually less stringent compared to those of other major economies. For instance, the United States enforces rigorous export controls, especially in areas like defense, security, and dual-use technologies, through regulations such as the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
The U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) plays a pivotal role in enforcing these controls, particularly targeting sectors like semiconductor manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. This is set against the backdrop of escalating trade tensions and strategic competition between the U.S. and China.
In recent years, the U.S. has intensified its export restrictions, notably identifying Chinese tech giants like ZTE and Huawei as national security threats. These measures have led to prohibiting U.S. companies from engaging in business with these firms, including the export of sensitive technologies.
China's move to streamline its export catalogue demonstrates a more measured approach, potentially easing some of the international pressures while maintaining control over critical technologies.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
