The United States has halted certain sales of critical technologies to China, including those associated with CFM LEAP-1C engines used in China's Comac C919 jets. This decision comes two years after the aircraft began commercial service. The suspension is expected to impact the production rate of the C919, which China aims to increase to 50 units annually.
According to reports from Reuters and citing the New York Times, this action by the US is a response to China's restrictions on exporting critical minerals. The US Commerce Department stated it is reviewing exports of strategic significance and has suspended some export licenses while this review is ongoing. Aviation equipment is among the sectors affected.
The Chinese Embassy in Washington expressed opposition to these measures, stating, "China firmly opposes the US's overstretching the concept of national security, abusing export controls, and maliciously blocking and suppressing China."