China hits Europe's defence industry in response to the EU's 21st sanctions package against Russia

China has added 14 EU entities to its export control list, prohibiting supply of dual-use goods to defence and photonics firms including Rheinmetall and Vigo Photonics, in direct retaliation for the EU's 21st sanctions package against Russia. The move signals Beijing's intent to raise the cost of EU pressure on China while supporting Moscow, and is part of a broader campaign to hamper NATO modernisation and weaken EU unity ahead of autumn measures targeting Chinese industrial practices.

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