China unveils export rules for tech and products with military use – report

China has unveiled a set of export control rules for so-called dual-use items, which refer to products or technologies that can be used for civilian and military purposes, ahead of President Xi Jinping’s visit to Russia, CNBC reported.

The rules come amid growing U.S. sanctions targeting Chinese companies which the U.S. thinks of having provided dual-use goods, such as drones, to help Russia in the war against Ukraine, the report added.

The measures intend to “safeguard national security and interests, fulfill international obligations such as non-proliferation, and strengthen and standardize export controls on dual-use items,” according to web translation of an Oct. 19 press release by the State Council.

The rules will come into effect on Dec. 1.

Xi is slated to attend the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) summit in Kazan, Russia from Tuesday to Thursday.

China has never provided lethal weapons to any party in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. It strictly controls the export of dual-use items including drones and opposes the use of civilian drones for military purposes,” said Mao Ning, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman on Friday, according to a translated press release. “China will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies and citizens.”

Last week, reportedly, the U.S. added two Chinese companies to its sanction list, alleging that they were involved in the manufacturing of aerial drones used by Russia in the Ukraine war.