China committed to stability of global supply chain, export control is common practice – Foreign Ministry

 

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China is always committed to maintaining the security and stability of the global production and supply chain, and always implements fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory export control measures, said the Foreign Ministry at a news briefing on Tuesday, in response to questions about the newly announced export control on gallium and germanium related items.

It’s a common international practice to implement export controls on relevant items in accordance with the law and the restrictions don’t target any specific country, it said.

On Monday, the Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs said in a joint statement that China will impose export controls on gallium and germanium, two major materials used in the production of semiconductors and other electronic components, in a move to safeguard national security and interests.

Starting from August 1, gallium and germanium items meeting certain characteristics shall not be exported without approval. The ministries listed eight items related to gallium, and six items related to germanium.

Exporters must file an application with local commerce authorities for exports of such items and they must get approval form the Ministry of Commerce before exporting such items. Exporters would face fines and criminal charges if they export such items without permission.

China is the world’s top producer of raw gallium, which is used in making chipsets to generate high frequency raid waves in 5G base stations. China is also a major supplier of germanium, mainly used in fiber and infrared optics, PET plastics, electronics and solar panels.