China Hits Back at US Blacklist, Imposes Export Curbs on Defence and Rare Earth Firms
Beijing restricts exports to 10 American companies and bars procurement of products from 46 firms, deepening economic tensions with Washington.
NEW DELHI: China on Monday announced a series of retaliatory measures against American companies, imposing export controls on 10 US firms linked to defence and rare earths mining and restricting government purchases of products from dozens of others.
The action follows Washington’s decision to expand its list of entities that US authorities claim have ties to China’s military sector. Beijing described the move as a necessary step to protect its national interests and security.
According to China’s commerce ministry, the export restrictions were introduced in response to the latest additions to the US “Chinese military enterprise list”. Among the companies affected are Aveox, which supplies aerospace equipment for US defence programmes, and Oshkosh Defense, a manufacturer of military vehicles.
While officials did not disclose the exact scope of the export controls, the measures are expected to affect business operations involving Chinese materials and components.
Separately, China’s finance ministry said public procurement agencies would no longer be permitted to purchase products from 46 American companies. The affected firms include major defence contractors Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and Boeing’s defence unit. The restrictions took effect immediately, although enterprises with American investment operating within China will remain exempt.
The latest steps underscore growing friction between Beijing and Washington despite recent diplomatic efforts to improve relations. Last month, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks in Beijing aimed at easing trade and strategic disputes.
However, tensions resurfaced after the United States expanded its blacklist to include 80 companies and subsidiaries alleged to support China’s military-industrial network. The list features several prominent Chinese businesses, including Alibaba, Baidu and electric vehicle maker BYD.
Beijing has repeatedly criticised such actions, arguing that national security concerns are being used to limit the global activities of Chinese companies. The new measures indicate China is prepared to respond through trade and procurement policies as strategic competition between the two powers broadens beyond tariffs and technology restrictions.
