Photo: Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) spokesperson, Shu Jueting

The gallium, germanium export control measure does not target any specific country, and the Chinese side has informed the EU and the US prior to the announcement, Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) spokesperson Shu Jueting told a press conference on Thursday in Beijing, responding to a question about China's decision to impose export restrictions on gallium and germanium.

Chinese experts following the matter said the MOFCOM statement on Thursday showed the transparent and responsible attitude taken by the Chinese side over its export controls.

China is set to impose exports controls on gallium and germanium, both used in the making of semiconductors and other electronic components, starting on August 1, to safeguard national security and its interests, MOFCOM and the General Administration of Customs GAC said in a notice on Monday.

China's announcement of the export controls on the two metals crucial for the making of chips and other high-tech components has been widely viewed as a response to West's restrictions on chips and other supplies. But Chinese officials said the move was to protect China's national security and interests.


The EU and the US has raised concerns, though they themselves are escalating a "chip war."

On Thursday, Shu said that the export control is not quota limitation, nor an outright ban, and companies that have obtained permits will still be able to export the materials.

Gallium and germanium can be used for both military and civilian purposes, and it is an international practice to impose export control on industrial products and materials containing gallium and germanium, Shu said, adding that the restrictions are aimed at ensuring national security and better fulfilling international obligations.
 
The Chinese side informed authorities in Europe and the US prior to the announcement, Shu noted.

So far, MOFOCOM has not received any requests for export approvals, according to Shu, adding that the ministry will review any requests upon receiving them, and grant permission to compliant entities.

"Having kept the US and the EU informed showed China is transparent over the imposition of the export control measure, which is totally justified," Li Yong, a senior research fellow at the China Association of International Trade, told the Global Times on Thursday.

"Having informed its major trading partners about its decision to impose exports control on gallium and germanium in advance also means the world can be confident that China will implement its export control measures in a just, non-discriminatory and responsible way," Li said.

The Chinese government adopted the export control measure in accordance with the law to make sure these products and materials are used for legal purposes, and the export control does not target any specific country, Shu said.

On July 1, MOFCOM expressed "dissatisfaction" over the Netherlands' decisionon on June 30 to impose restrictions on the export of some semiconductor equipment despite months of talks.


Chinese experts noted that China is prepared to safeguard its national security and interests with necessary measures.

Global Times