China has imposed export restrictions on seven European defence-related entities, accusing them of involvement in arms sales or cooperation with Taiwan.

The Chinese Commerce Ministry announced the measures on Friday, saying they took immediate effect.

According to Beijing, the restrictions are necessary “to safeguard national security and interests and fulfill international obligations such as non-proliferation.”

Among the affected organisations are Belgian firearms manufacturer FN Herstal, German defence electronics company Hensoldt, and the Czech Republic’s aerospace research centre, VZLU Aerospace.

Under the new measures, exports of “dual-use items” to the listed entities are banned. China also prohibited foreign organisations and individuals from transferring Chinese-origin dual-use products to them.

“Any ongoing related activities must be immediately ceased,” the ministry stated.

However, it added that applications may be submitted in special cases where exports are considered necessary.

China considers self-governed Taiwan part of its territory and has repeatedly vowed to bring the island under its control, by force if necessary.

In a separate statement, a spokesperson for the ministry said the sanctions target only a limited number of European Union entities involved in military-related dealings with Taiwan.

“Law-abiding and trustworthy EU entities have absolutely no cause for concern,” the spokesperson said.

China has steadily tightened export controls in recent years, creating challenges for overseas access to Chinese technology and strategic materials.

In February, Beijing imposed export controls on 20 Japanese entities amid tensions over comments on Taiwan by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Last year, China’s restrictions on rare earth exports also triggered global concerns over supply chains and increased Beijing’s leverage in trade discussions with the United States.

Earlier this month, the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China warned that stricter Chinese export controls, especially on rare earth materials, pose a long-term business risk.