China's new export curbs may deal a heavy blow worldwide

Rules impact arms manufacturers in particular, drawing concern in Europe

- Keith Bradsher

From cars and computer chips to tanks and fighter jets, China's new export restrictions represent a sweeping effort to control global commerce, and have set off a renewed trade fight that pits Beijing against not only the United States but also Europe.

The new regulations, which will take effect in stages on Nov 8 and Dec 1, apply to the entire world, sharply escalating China's sway over critical manufacturing at a time of increased international fractures over trade.

The curbs led President Donald Trump on Oct 10 to threaten to impose new 100 per cent tariffs on Chinese imports starting Nov 1.

The rules go far beyond China's limits since April on the export of rare earth metals, which are mined and processed mainly in China, as well as magnets made from those metals.

In a series of announcements on Oct 9, China extended its restrictions to worldwide shipments of electric motors, computer chips and other devices that have become central to modern life and are now made mainly in China.

The regulations prohibit exports from China to any country of materials or components for use in military equipment. Among the items banned are the small yet powerful electric motors in missiles and fighter jets, and the materials for crucial range finders in tanks and artillery that are used to zero in on distant targets.

These rules have drawn particular concern in the West because of their potential to debilitate Europe's efforts to supply arms to Ukraine and to rebuild Europe's own militaries to counter Russian aggression.