China opens first foreign trade-related national security investigation

China has launched its first foreign trade-related national security investigation, targeting certain imported office equipment equipped with foreign system software and capable of printing and copying, the Ministry of Commerce said on Wednesday.

The investigation took effect on Wednesday in accordance with China's Foreign Trade Law after preliminary information indicated that such equipment could affect national security interests in foreign trade, the ministry said in an announcement.

Foreign system software refers to driver software and embedded software developed, tested or maintained by foreign individuals or entities, the announcement said.

Responding to a media query, a spokesperson for the ministry said in a statement that the probe will assess the impact of such equipment on China's national security interests in foreign trade.

The investigation will examine, among other matters, imports of the equipment, the impact of imported products, technologies or services on national security interests, and domestic demand.

It will also consider the impact of imports on domestic industries, their capacity to meet national security needs, and the impact of relevant foreign government policies and measures on China's national security interests, the spokesperson added.

"The investigating authority will conduct the probe in accordance with the law and fully safeguard the rights of all interested parties," the spokesperson said.

Based on the findings, the authority will make an objective and impartial ruling to firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of domestic industries and China's national security interests, the spokesperson added.

The probe is expected to conclude within 12 months of its launch, although it may be extended under special circumstances, according to the announcement.