Canada Bans Sensitive Military Exports to Hong Kong

Canada announced a ban on exports of “sensitive” military items to Hong Kong due to Beijing’s passage of the Hong Kong national security law. In a July 7 notice, the country said it will treat exports to Hong Kong “in the same way as those destined for China” and will “closely scrutinize” all export permit applications to Hong Kong to deny permits “that are not in line with Canada’s domestic and international legal obligations, foreign policy or security interests.” The country said it will reassess the ban if changes in Hong Kong are made.

Canada said it is “deeply concerned” about the law's passage, adding that it was completed through a “secretive process” and “without the participation” of Hong Kong’s legislature or people. Canada’s announcement comes about a week after the U.S. announced it would ban defense exports to Hong Kong and suspend license exceptions to the region (see 2006290063).