Taiwan restricts machine tool exports to Belarus, Russia

February 8, Pozirk. Taiwan’s economy ministry has announced restrictions on the supply of 77 types of machine tools to Belarus and Russia, effective March 8.

It linked the move to a wide range of application for machine tools, including in the military sphere.

The ministry advised manufacturers to sever ties with their buyers from Belarus and Russia.

Manufacturers must clearly indicate the final recipient of their goods when exporting to countries with high transshipment risks, it noted. This should reportedly prevent Minsk and Moscow from receiving high-tech goods from Taiwan via third countries such as Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and others.

In addition, Taiwan raised fines for illegal exports to Belarus and Russia more than 15-fold.

In late January, Taiwan banned 45 more items for export to Belarus and Russia, urging suppliers to abide by domestic and international export control regulations and due diligence practices to avoid violations that could damage their reputation, rights and interests.

The move came weeks after, the Belarusian foreign ministry released a statement on Taiwan’s presidential election, announcing support of the One China principle as the key to the regional stability.

Lai Ching-te, leader of the Democratic Progressive Party opposing China’s control over Taiwan, won the January 13 presidential race.

China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has previously warned of an increased risk of conflict if opponents of rapprochement with Beijing remain in power in Taipei.

The Chinese army stepped up military activities around the island and may try to take control of Taiwan if it declares independence.