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US halts sales of key jet engines amid trade tensions with China

US halts sales of key jet engines amid trade tensions with China
Policy
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CFM LEAP-1C engines | Simple Flying

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."

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The C919 jets are powered by CFM LEAP-1C engines produced by CFM International, a joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines. Currently, 18 C919 jets are operational with Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern. However, without access to these engines, production will slow down significantly.

COMAC plans to ramp up production but faces challenges due to engine supply issues. The company also seeks EU certification for its aircraft but has not yet secured orders outside China.

In response to dependency on Western technology for jet engines, China is developing its own powerplant through Shanghai’s Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC). AECC reported progress on its CJ-1000 high-bypass turbofan engine development earlier this year.

This latest restriction aligns with ongoing trade tensions between the US and China initiated by tariffs during the Trump administration. Despite easing tensions around aircraft deliveries recently—evidenced by Boeing resuming deliveries—this new development may complicate future negotiations.

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