(Beijing = Yonhap News) Correspondent Kim Hyun-jung = China is implementing control measures to require government permission when exporting tunnel excavators and special excavation equipment to countries and regions that have disputes with China.
On the 19th, China's Ministry of Commerce announced that in order to protect national security and interests, some tunnel excavators, walk-behind excavators, highland concrete spraying equipment, and related key parts and technologies are subject to export control.
The Ministry of Commerce explained that this measure was decided upon approval by the State Council and will take effect from the 18th of next month.
According to the notice, companies wishing to export the equipment to 'sensitive countries and regions' that have disputes with China must obtain permission from the Ministry of Commerce in accordance with China's Export Control Act and the Ordinance on Export Control of Dual-Use (Can Be Used for Both Military and Civilian) Items.
However, it did not specify which country or region was the disputed country or region.
When exporting to other countries, exporters and end users must promise not to transfer or provide Chinese products to conflict countries or regions without permission from Chinese authorities.
Authorities have prohibited companies or individuals outside China from transferring or providing Chinese products to these countries or regions without permission from the authorities.
Export control targets include full-section tunnel boring machines (TBMs) used for excavating subway, railway, and road tunnels.
Walking excavators, which can work in rough terrain using support devices that move like legs, were also placed on the control list.
Specifically, if the processing performance of the excavator exceeds any of the four standards, including vertical obstacle height of 1.2m, underwater movement depth of 1.5m, ditch crossing width of 3m, and walking angle of 40 degrees, it will be subject to export control by the authorities.
The export of plateau-type wet concrete spraying equipment, which reinforces structures by spraying concrete on tunnel walls in highlands over 3,000 meters above sea level, exceeds all performance standards specified in the notice, including maximum engine output of 75 kW, maximum torque of 680 N·m (Newton meters), maximum motor output of 55 kW, and pump suction efficiency of 95%.
Key components such as engines, auxiliary oxygen supply devices, electric motors, air compressors, equipment structures such as chassis and folding work arms, and related hydraulic and pump transfer technologies specifically designed for use in this equipment are also subject to control.
The Ministry of Commerce said of this measure, "It is in line with internationally accepted practices and is intended to more effectively protect national security and interests and more faithfully fulfill international obligations, such as non-proliferation," and added, "Relevant export license applications will be reviewed in accordance with laws and regulations, and applications that meet the regulations will be approved."
He added, "We are willing to communicate and dialogue with relevant parties regarding export control policies and implementation through the bilateral export control dialogue and exchange mechanism," adding, "We will jointly actively promote and facilitate compliant trade."
