Chinese experts on Wednesday railed into a US preliminary ruling
on export controls to China, saying it would hinder regular
bilateral trade, especially high-tech exchanges, if
implemented.
The new rule, released by the US Department of Commerce on July
6, is now open to public comment until November 3. It affects 47
categories of high-tech products.
The rule proposes to strengthen licensing on technology exports,
which otherwise do not require a license as they are not included
in items limited for reasons of national security.
High-tech exports for civilian use have been added to the US
government's export control list, which will set up new trade
barriers between the two countries and clog up high-tech exchanges,
according to a statement made by experts with the China Arms
Control and Disarmament Association, a non-governmental
organization.
Based on an unreasonable licensing policy, the rule requires
exporters to obtain an End-User Certificate from China's Ministry
of Commerce for all items valued at more than US$5,000 and that
require a license.
It also proposes to create a new authorization system for valid
end-users in China, which will then be placed on a list approved by
the US government.
Those in the list are to demonstrate an established record of
civilian use of US imports, obey US export control regulations,
allow the US government to conduct end-user visits and checks, and
have sound relations with companies in the US and other
countries.
"It will affect regular bilateral trade with its many unfair
premises and obstacles. China's Ministry of Commerce will be
overloaded with certification work and Chinese companies will
shoulder more troubles," the statement said.
(Xinhua News Agency August 30, 2006)