China has taken steps to tighten restrictions on the export of military equipment in response to the increasing US-imposed technology export restrictions. Analysts believe this move will further sever the ties between the defense industries of the two countries.

The South China Morning Post reported that China announced last Thursday it would restrict the export of certain products, including those used to manufacture spacecraft parts, engines, and bulletproof vests. These restrictions are set to take effect from July 1.

According to customs statistics, China earned $8 billion from exporting these products in the first four months of this year.

China's new regulations mean that certain products cannot be exported without permission. This was announced jointly by the Ministry of Commerce, the General Administration of Customs, and the Equipment Development Department of the Central Military Commission.

These restrictions will impact China's exports to several countries, including the USA, France, Germany, and Brazil. Zhu Chao, a researcher at the international research institute Unbound, stated that this action mainly targets the United States and its allies.

Zhu Chao emphasized that China's move is clearly directed at the US and other Western countries. By controlling exports of specific products tied to Europe and the United States, China is responding to efforts by the US to isolate its defense industry. Consequently, this action will accelerate that process.

However, Zhu Chao believes the impact will be limited, as the US and its allies have already reduced their dependence on China's supply chain, despite the resultant inflation.

Since last year, the Biden administration has imposed nearly 1,000 trade sanctions and restrictions on various Chinese companies, citing national security and Russia's actions in Xinjiang and Ukraine.

Tao Jingzhu, an international arbitrator in Beijing and Paris, noted that trade restrictions between the US and China are a "two-way street." As the US and its allies impose more export controls on China, China is retaliating similarly.

Tao Jingzhu added that while not many products are directly affected by these new restrictions, it demonstrates China's resolve to control the export of sensitive goods. Last July, Beijing imposed restrictions on the export of certain drones and drone-related equipment.

The US and the European Union are pressuring China to halt exports of dual-use products to Russia, alleging their use in the Ukraine war. China has denied these allegations, maintaining normal trade relations with Moscow.

Beijing stated on Thursday that the latest restrictions reflect its commitment to curbing proliferation.

Song Zhongping, a Chinese military analyst and former trainer for the People's Liberation Army, said China is controlling the export of sensitive technology, particularly related to space and shipbuilding, due to their military significance or dual-use potential. He emphasized that China's primary objective is peace and avoiding conflict.

Zhu Feng, executive dean of international relations at Nanjing University, commented that China's move highlights the ongoing technology competition with Washington. He noted, "This was expected. We see the US getting tough on Chinese high-tech products, and in response, China is protecting its own technology."Modern technology is at the heart of the ongoing rivalry between China and the United States. In response to a series of bans imposed by the US, China has heightened security measures for various products, particularly those with military applications or significant military importance. China may also impose reciprocal restrictions on the US.However, experts caution that such actions could have unintended consequences, potentially escalating tensions with both the United States and the European Union.