China banned exports of products with the potential for dual civilian and military uses to 14 EU companies on Friday, citing national security concerns.
"In order to safeguard national security and national interests... China has decided to place 14 EU entities including Lafert Group on its export control list," the Chinese commerce ministry said in a statement.
The ban, which takes effect from Friday, will "prohibit exporters from exporting dual-use items to the above-mentioned entities,” it added.
The entities include German automotive and arms manufacturer Rheinmetall AG and Polish electronics company Vigo Photonics S.A., it said in a statement.
The move was made in response to EU's latest sanctions package against Russia, which has put 14 Chinese mainland and Hong Kong enterprises under sanction, the ministry said.
