<h1>China bans exports of dual-use items to eight Taiwan defense companies over national security concerns</h1> China imposed export controls on eight Taiwan-based companies, including aerospace and shipbuilding firms, citing national security concerns. The ban prohibits exports of dual-use items to these defense-related enterprises, effective immediately. The action coincides with Taiwan's annual military exercises, which are the largest and longest to date, simulating defense against potential invasion. China considers the self-ruled island its territory and refuses diplomatic engagement with Taiwan's current leadership, while the United States maintains legal obligations to provide Taiwan with defensive capabilities despite not recognizing it as a sovereign nation.