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)