A FN EVOLYS light machine gun manufactured by FN Browning Group (FN Herstal) is displayed during the 2024 company financial resultsm in Liege, on June 3, 2025. NATACHA FREISEN / AFP
China has imposed restrictions on seven European entities related to the defense sector, Beijing said Friday, April 24, citing their involvement in alleged arms sales or "collusion" with Taiwan. The measures, which took effect immediately, are needed "to safeguard national security and interests and fulfill international obligations such as non-proliferation," the commerce ministry said in a statement.
The curbs apply to companies including Belgian guns manufacturer FN Herstal and German defense electronics firm Hensoldt, as well as the national aerospace research and development center in the Czech Republic, VZLU Aerospace.
They prohibit exports of "dual-use items" to the seven named entities or transfers of such items that originated in China by "foreign organizations and individuals," the statement said. "Any ongoing related activities must be immediately ceased," the statement said. Applications could be submitted to the commerce ministry "in special circumstances where export is truly necessary," it added.
