EU Restricts Exports of Sensitive Tech to Hong Kong

The European Union imposed a range of restrictions against China for its actions in Hong Kong (see 2007130042), including export controls on “sensitive” equipment and technologies for end-use in Hong Kong, the EU said July 28. The EU will also not begin “any new negotiations” with Hong Kong and will consider more measures before year-end.

The EU said it will more strictly scrutinize and limit exports of “specific” equipment and technologies for use in Hong Kong. Restrictions will specifically apply to items suspected to be used for “internal repression, the interception of internal communications or cybersurveillance.” The EU also said it will raise the “situation” in Hong Kong “at every opportunity” with allies and at multilateral forums.

China called the restrictions a violation of international norms. “Since the EU claims to have interests and concerns in Hong Kong … it should work in this direction with practical actions, rather than unilaterally introducing some so-called countermeasures to affect Hong Kong's prosperity and stability,” a Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson said July 29, according to an unofficial translation of a transcript of a press conference. “China firmly opposes it and has made solemn representations to the European side.”