China Slaps Export Ban On Companies Tied To Taiwan’s Military

China has imposed export controls on eight enterprises tied to Taiwan’s military as the self-ruled island began its annual military exercises, Simina Mistreanu reported for the Associated Press (AP).

The banned companies include defense supplier Aerospace Industrial Development Corp. (AIDC), drone maker Jingwei Aerospace Technology Co., and CSBC Corp. I Photo: Aerospace Industrial Development Corp.

China’s Commerce Ministry added eight Taiwan-based organizations—including aerospace and shipbuilding companies—to its export control list, citing national and regional security concerns.

The banned companies include defense supplier Aerospace Industrial Development Corp. (AIDC), drone maker Jingwei Aerospace Technology Co., and CSBC Corp., Taiwan’s largest shipbuilding company.

The new rules, effective immediately, prohibit the export to the listed enterprises of “dual-use items,” which can be used for both civilian and military purposes.

The ban comes as Taiwan begins its annual Han Kuang military drills, which will simulate defenses against a possible invasion by China. The drills are set to be the largest and longest so far, lasting about 10 days—twice as long as last year’s exercises.

China regards self-ruled Taiwan as its own territory, to be annexed by force if necessary. Beijing has branded Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te a separatist and refuses to speak with him.