China's Ministry of Commerce has announced that seven European Union entities are being placed on the country's export control list, banning them from receiving dual-use items which can have both civil and military applications.

Chinese exporters are prohibited from shipping dual-use items to the listed entities, while overseas organizations and individuals are also barred from transferring or providing such items originating in China to the designated entities, a ministry notice read.

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"Any ongoing activities must cease immediately, "according to Friday's statement, which added that exporters must apply to the ministry in exceptional circumstances where an export is deemed necessary.

On Thursday, commerce ministry spokeswoman He Yongqian told a news conference that China had formally submitted comments to the European Commission on a draft revision of the EU's Cybersecurity Act.

"If Chinese companies suffer discriminatory treatment as a result, China can take measures in accordance with its Foreign Trade Law and the State Council's regulations on industrial and supply chain security to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises," He said.