China imposes sanctions on seven European defense companies for sales to Taiwan

Published at: 24/04/2026 10:38 AM

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced the imposition of immediate sanctions against seven defense companies from Belgium, the Czech Republic and Germany. This measure comes as a direct retaliation for the supply of weapons to Taiwan, hardening Beijing's stance on European military exports to the island.

“To safeguard security and national interests, in addition to complying with international non-proliferation obligations... export operators are prohibited from supplying dual-use items to the seven designated entities,” the official statement said. The resolution seeks to limit these firms' access to critical supplies within the Chinese market.

The government order requires, in addition, the sudden cessation of any commercial operation that is active with these bodies. This restriction effectively blocks the supply chain and any technical or commercial collaboration between local suppliers and the European entities indicated in the black list.

Among the affected companies, the Belgian companies FN Browning and FN Herstal stand out, as well as the Czech firms Omnipol, SpaceKnow, Excalibur Army and the research institute VZLU Aerospace. The list is completed by German technology company Hensoldt, consolidating a strategic coup against key players in the European Union's war and aerospace industries.

Mazo News Team