China adds ten U.S. companies to export control list amid tech tensions

China has placed ten American entities on its export control list, a move that escalates the ongoing technological and trade friction between Beijing and Washington. The targeted companies operate in sensitive sectors including defense, drones, aerospace technology, and rare earth materials.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced the decision, citing the Export Control Law and regulations on dual-use products. The stated objective is to "safeguard national security and interests" and adhere to international non-proliferation commitments. The ministry has prohibited Chinese operators from exporting dual-use products to these ten entities and barred any international parties from transferring or providing China-originating dual-use items to them.

Existing export operations involving these entities must cease immediately. Special cases requiring sales will necessitate prior authorization from the Ministry. The list includes companies such as Aveox, Red Cat Holdings, Teal Drones, IMSAR, Jaia Robotics, Ball Aerospace & Technologies, Oshkosh Defense, L3Harris Maritime Services, MP Materials, and USA Rare Earth.

This measure arrives amid persistent tensions, despite a recent state visit by U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at fostering stability. While dialogue mechanisms in trade, investment, agriculture, aviation, and military contacts have been established, disagreements persist over tariffs, technology controls, rare earths, Taiwan, and U.S. restrictions on Chinese companies. The announcement follows China's promise of "firm and forceful countermeasures" in response to the U.S. placing several Chinese firms, including Alibaba and Baidu, on its list of "Chinese military companies."