BEIJING — China has placed 10 American companies on its export control list, describing them as entities connected to the U.S. military, in a retaliatory move against Washington’s recent actions targeting Chinese firms.
The companies affected include Aveox, a manufacturer specializing in motors for mission-critical uses, along with rare earth producers MP Materials and USA Rare Earth. Being placed on the list means Chinese exporters are prohibited from selling dual-use items — goods with both civilian and military applications — to those companies.
China’s Commerce Ministry released a statement Monday saying the actions were taken in response to what it called the “U.S. government’s malicious practice.” The ministry said the measures were necessary to protect national security and fulfill international obligations, including commitments related to non-proliferation.
The ministry also stated that any ongoing export activities involving those listed companies must be halted immediately.
In a separate announcement, China’s finance ministry said it is moving against an additional 46 U.S. companies, banning Chinese buyers from purchasing any products those firms make. However, U.S.-funded businesses operating within China are still permitted to make such purchases.
The escalation comes two weeks after the United States added Chinese tech and automotive giants — including e-commerce company Alibaba, internet search provider Baidu, and automakers BYD and NIO — to a list of companies Washington believes are supporting Beijing’s military operations.
