China's Ministry of Commerce announced on 22/6 that it implemented new export controls "in response to the serious actions of the US government" for adding companies to its "list of Chinese military companies." This measure also aims to "safeguard national security." The measures took effect on 22/6.

MP Materials' rare earth mine operating in Mountain Pass, California, US. Photo: Reuters

The 10 US companies targeted include Aveox, a firm holding aerospace defense contracts with the US military, and Oshkosh Defense, a manufacturer of military vehicles. Also on the list are two rare earth mining companies: MP Materials and USA Rare Earth.

This decision follows US President Donald Trump's visit to Beijing one month prior, which aimed to stabilize US-China relations. However, two weeks ago, Washington announced a new blacklist of 80 companies and their affiliates, which it claims support the Chinese military. This list includes technology giants such as Alibaba and Baidu, as well as electric vehicle manufacturers BYD and NIO. This action prompted Beijing to threaten retaliation.

Additionally, China's Ministry of Finance announced a ban on state agencies purchasing products from 46 US companies. These include Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Boeing's defense division. However, US-invested companies operating in China are exempt from this ban.

Ha Thu (according to Reuters, AFP)