China Targets Polish Technology and Entities in Retaliation Over EU Sanctions

China’s Ministry of Commerce has imposed export restrictions and a sales ban on fourteen European entities, including Poland’s Vigo Photonics and Wrocław University of Science and Technology.

Retaliatory Diplomatic and Economic Measures by Beijing

China is moving toward retaliatory diplomatic and economic actions. In response to the latest 21st package of EU sanctions targeting Russia, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced restrictions on selected entities from the European Union. The published list subject to absolute export control includes as many as two Polish entities: the innovative technology company Vigo Photonics and the Wrocław University of Science and Technology.

Beijing’s Retaliatory Sanctions on 14 EU Entities

China’s Ministry of Commerce stated on Friday that in retaliation for EU sanctions, it placed 14 EU entities—including Polish company Vigo Photonics and Wrocław University of Science and Technology—on the list of companies and institutions subject to export control. This means subjecting these entities to a ban on the sale of dual-use goods.

“In order to safeguard national security and state interests, as well as to fulfill international obligations in the field of non-proliferation of weapons, and in response to these actions by the European side, China has decided to impose restrictions on 14 EU entities,” said the ministry spokesman in a statement.

Response to the 21st EU Sanctions Package

He added that this step is a response to the “blatant actions of the European Union” related to the restrictions imposed on Thursday against 14 companies from China and Hong Kong under the 21st package of sanctions against Russia.

Polish Entities and European Giants on China’s Blacklist

The sanctions list included two Polish entities: the technology company Vigo Photonics from Ożarów Mazowiecki and the Wrocław University of Science and Technology. Beyond them, Chinese restrictions hit, among others, the German defense concern Rheinmetall, the Czech automotive company Tatra Trucks, the French research center III-V LAB, as well as enterprises from Italy, Lithuania, and the Netherlands.

Vigo Photonics specializes in the production of semiconductor materials and devices for photonic and microelectronic applications, and is also a leader in the global market for mid-infrared photonic detectors.

Wrocław University of Science and Technology Surprised by China’s Decision

In a statement sent to PAP, the Wrocław University of Science and Technology expressed surprise at the inclusion of the university on the Chinese Ministry of Commerce’s list. “We cannot comment on the matter because we have no official information. We will only be verifying it,” it was emphasized.

Absolute Export Ban and Dual-Use Technology

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce did not justify the decision to subject the listed entities to sanctions.

According to the published document, placing a company or institution on the list means an absolute ban on exporting to it and transferring dual-use technologies and materials produced in China to it by third parties. Potential exceptions to the ban require a special permit from the PRC Ministry of Commerce.

On Thursday, the EU formally adopted the 21st package of sanctions against Russia, which included, among others, 14 Chinese enterprises accused of supplying Moscow with components for the defense industry.

The Chinese authorities oppose EU restrictions, announcing the protection of domestic companies and regularly introducing retaliatory measures.