China imposes trade restrictions on Belgian arms group over 'sales to Taiwan'
China is imposing trade restrictions on seven European arms manufacturers, including the Belgian arms group FN Browning and its subsidiary in Herstal. According to Beijing, they are supplying arms to or collaborating with Taiwan.
The FN Browning Group and its subsidiary in Herstal have been placed on the export control list “with immediate effect” for allegedly supplying light weapons to Taiwan. In practical terms, the measure means that Chinese exporters are no longer permitted to supply them with goods for “dual use”, which can be used for both civilian and military purposes.
In addition to FN Browning, the German company Hensoldt AG (radars), the Czech firms Excalibur and Omnipol (military equipment), the Czech branch of the American company Spaceknow (satellite imagery) and the Czech national centre VZLU Aerospace have also been placed on the list.
Beijing claims that the companies “have participated in arms sales to Taiwan” or have colluded with Taiwan. A spokesperson for the Chinese authorities also emphasises that the measure will have no further impact on trade relations between China and the EU.
China regards Taiwan as a breakaway province and has already stated that the island state must be brought under Beijing’s control by force if necessary. Taiwan relies on foreign arms supplies for its defence.
FN declined to comment on China’s decision on Friday. The technology federation Agoria did, however, and called for greater autonomy for the European Union, particularly in the field of defence. “Access to critical raw materials and strategic products is crucial, not only for strengthening our European defence, but also for the energy transition and digitalisation,” Agoria emphasised.
Production site at the FN Browning factory in Herstal © BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND
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