China launches its first national security investigation into foreign trade.

On the 5th, the Ministry of Commerce announced the initiation of a national security investigation into relevant imported printing and copying office equipment as part of foreign trade. The spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce stated that this investigation is China's first national security investigation concerning foreign trade. The spokesperson indicated that, in accordance with Article 41 of the Foreign Trade Law of the People's Republic of China, the Ministry of Commerce may independently or in conjunction with other relevant departments of the State Council conduct investigations regarding matters of national security interests in foreign trade to maintain the order of foreign trade. The spokesperson introduced that the focus of this investigation is to assess the impact of imported printing and copying office equipment, which is equipped with foreign system software, on China's national security interests in foreign trade. The investigation will cover, but is not limited to, the following matters: the import situation of the subjects of investigation, the impact of imported products, technologies, or services on national security interests, domestic demand conditions, the impact of imports on domestic industries, the ability and level of domestic industries to meet national security interests, and the impact of relevant foreign government policies and measures on China's national security interests. The spokesperson stated that the investigative agency will conduct the investigation in accordance with the law, fully protecting the rights and interests of all stakeholders, and will objectively and fairly make a decision based on the results of the investigation, resolutely safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of China's domestic industries and national security interests.