Commerce tightens export controls on military technologies

The Commerce Department announced Monday that it is tightening export controls on technology that could have military uses, citing countries like China and Russia.

“It is important to consider the ramifications of doing business with countries that have histories of diverting goods purchased from U.S. companies for military applications,” Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said in a statement.

“Certain entities in China, Russia, and Venezuela have sought to circumvent America’s export controls, and undermine American interests in general, and so we will remain vigilant to ensure U.S. technology does not get into the wrong hands,” he added.

The new controls are aimed at limiting China’s military equipment from obtaining semiconductor production equipment, Reuters reported.

The Commerce Department directed The Hill to the texts of the changes when asked about that report.

The new export controls target technology acquired by the countries deemed national security threats through civilian supply chains.