China launches first national security probe into imported printing and copying equipment

(ECNS) -- China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) announced on Wednesday that it had launched a national security investigation into imported office equipment with printing and copying functions that uses foreign system software, marking the country's first national security investigation in the field of foreign trade.

The ministry said preliminary information indicated that imports of such equipment could affect China's national security interests related to foreign trade.

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

The investigation will examine imports of the products concerned and assess the impact, technologies or services on national security interests. It will also review domestic demand in related sectors, the degree of reliance on foreign goods, technologies or services, the development of relevant domestic industries, the impact of imports on those industries, and their capacity to meet domestic demand and support national security interests.

It will also examine the impact of relevant foreign government policies and measures on China's national security interests, as well as any other matters affecting national security interests in foreign trade, the ministry noted.

The investigation is expected to be completed within 12 months of the publication of the announcement launching the probe, although the deadline may be extended under special circumstances, it said.

The investigating authority will conduct the probe in accordance with the law, fully protect the rights and interests of all parties concerned, and make an objective and impartial ruling based on its findings. The ministry added that the investigation is intended to firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of China's domestic industries and the country's national security interests