The Ministry of Commerce Photo: VCG

China on Thursday launched a revised, shortened version of the Catalogue of Technologies Prohibited and Restricted from Export, aiming to create better conditions for promoting international trade cooperation, meanwhile safeguarding national economic security and development interests, according to a statement on the website of the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM).

Items subject to management were reduced from 164 in the previous version to 134, with 34 technical items deleted, four added and 37 modified, read the statement.

Observers noted that the rule-based changes and reduction of items signal China is not misusing political means to politicize technology and trade measures, which sets China apart from the practices in the Western world, particularly the US, in wielding sanctions sticks arbitrarily.

Main changes include the removal of six prohibited technical items, including technology for manufacturing growth regulators for green plants, and 28 restricted technical items, such as technology for manufacturing medical diagnostic devices and equipment, as well as target featuring extraction and recognition technology.

The revision also includes the addition of one prohibited export technical item related to human cell cloning and gene editing technology.

Moreover, three restricted technical items have been added, namely technology for utilizing hybrid advantages in crops, bulk material handling and conveying technology, and laser radar systems. Entities can apply for export licenses in accordance with the law.

The new catalogue was jointly formulated by the MOFCOM and the Ministry of Science and Technology. It aims to maintain the order of technology exports, promote international economic and technological cooperation, and safeguard China's economic and technological interests, a spokesperson from the services trade division of the MOFCOM said.

The catalogue was revised in 2008 and 2020, and the latest revision is a routine adjustment in accordance with the changing landscape of technological development and the requirements of technical trade management.

"The modification of the catalogue is a change made entirely for the sake of technology security demand; it is aimed at safeguarding national security and also fulfilling global security responsibilities," Bai Ming, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation under the MOFCOM, told the Global Times on Thursday.

Over different periods, the intended purposes and applications of technology may change and the resulting impacts are constantly evolving, the expert said.

China has never politicized technology and will not, which stands in stark contrast to the Western approach of politicizing technology, Bai noted.

China has consistently adhered to promoting reform and development through openness. It actively facilitates the orderly cross-border flow of innovative elements such as technology and actively integrates into the global innovation network, the MOFCOM spokesperson said.

"We will continue to promote open cooperation, optimize the business environment, and share the achievements of China's technological development with countries worldwide. This is aimed at making a positive contribution to global economic growth and enhancing the well-being of humanity," the official said.

Global Times