EU Restricts Exports of Sensitive Tech to Hong Kong

New EU restrictions against China for its actions in Hong Kong include export controls on “sensitive” equipment and technologies for end-use in Hong Kong. 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.” 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 Wednesday, according to an unofficial translation of a transcript of a news conference. The country's embassy in Washington didn't comment Thursday.