China has imposed export restrictions on Lithuanian laser manufacturer Ekspla, limiting its ability to purchase dual-use goods and technologies from Chinese suppliers in what appears to be retaliation for the European Union’s latest sanctions against Russia.
China’s Ministry of Commerce said the measures, which took effect July 24, place 14 European Union entities on its export control list. Under the restrictions, Chinese exporters must obtain approval before supplying dual-use goods, software or technologies that can be used for both civilian and military purposes.
Ekspla is the only Lithuanian company included on the list. Other affected entities include companies and research institutions in Germany, France, Italy, Poland, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and Bulgaria.
The ministry said the decision was made under China’s Export Control Law and dual-use export control regulations to safeguard national security and fulfil international non-proliferation obligations.
Ekspla said it had not been formally notified of the reasons for its inclusion and was assessing the practical impact of the restrictions.
