On August 28, 2020, China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and the Ministry of Science and Technology jointly issued Announcement No. 38 (2020), amending the Catalogue of Technologies Prohibited or Restricted from Export. Among the newly restricted items, quantum cryptography technology and cryptographic chip design and implementation technology were added to the restricted category requiring export licensing.
As detailed by China Briefing, the amended catalogue required approval from provincial-level commerce departments before any substantive negotiation with foreign parties regarding controlled technology exports.
Separately, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress passed China’s Export Control Law on October 17, 2020, effective December 1, 2020. During review sessions, committee members specifically referenced 5G technologies and quantum communication when considering the scope of controlled items. The law provided a framework for banning exports of strategic materials and advanced technology to designated foreign entities, with provisions for reciprocal countermeasures against countries that misuse export-control measures.