Export ban for Taiwan firms a stern warning for separatist forces: Beijing

Beijing has banned the export of dual-use items to eight Taiwan-based aerospace and shipbuilding companies, including suppliers to the Taiwanese military.

The move, announced by the Ministry of Commerce on Wednesday, was described by the mainland’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) as a “stern warning against repeated provocations by separatist forces”.

According to the ministry, the companies, which include defence supplier Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC), have been placed on an export control list, citing national security and non-proliferation concerns.

The move was intended to safeguard “national security and interests” and to fulfil “international non-proliferation obligations”, the ministry said.

The new rules, which are effective immediately, prohibit the export to the named entities of dual-use items – materials, technology or equipment that can be used for both civilian and military purposes.

“All ongoing relevant exports must be stopped immediately,” the ministry said. “In exceptional cases where exports are necessary, businesses must apply to the Commerce Ministry for approval.”

AIDC is a key supplier to Taiwan’s indigenous defence industry, including its fighter jet development programme.