China publishes its first white paper on export control

China's State Council Information Office, for the first time, issued a white paper on "China's Export Control", on 29 Dec'21. The paper aims to comprehensively introduce China's stand in terms of improving export control measures, and expound its proposals in promoting world peace and development, and safeguarding national and international security.

Export control refers to the adoption of prohibitive or restrictive measures on the export of dual-use items, military products, nuclear and other goods, technologies, services and other items related to safeguarding national security and interests, and fulfilling international obligations such as non-proliferation.

Why is there a need for it?

Instability and uncertainty have increased significantly. International security processes have been impacted. Fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory export practices have become increasingly prominent in effectively responding to international and regional security risks and challenges under the new scenario.

The white paper pointed out that countries generally attach great importance to and actively promote export controls, and strengthen and standardize the same through a legal framework. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council and the world's largest country trading in goods and manufacturing, China has always based its principles on national security, world peace and regional security, the paper noted.

The white paper also pointed out that China considers responsibilities from a global perspective, fulfills its international obligations, strengthens international cooperation, and actively works with other countries to build a shared future.