The spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce answered reporters' questions regarding the initiation of a national security investigation into the foreign trade of related imported printing and copying office equipment.

Question: We have noticed that the Ministry of Commerce has issued an announcement regarding the initiation of a national security investigation into related imported printing and copying office equipment. Could you provide more details about this? In accordance with Article 41 of the Foreign Trade Law of the People's Republic of China, in order to maintain the order of foreign trade, the Ministry of Commerce may conduct investigations on matters related to national security interests in foreign trade, either independently or in conjunction with other relevant departments of the State Council. This investigation marks China's first national security investigation into foreign trade. The purpose of this investigation is to assess the impact of imported printing and copying office equipment equipped with foreign system software on China's national security interests in foreign trade. The matters under investigation include, but are not limited to: the import status of the subjects under 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 influence of relevant foreign government policies and measures on China's national security interests. Moving forward, the investigative authority will carry out the investigation in accordance with the law, fully safeguarding the rights and interests of all stakeholders, and will make objective and impartial determinations based on the investigation results, resolutely upholding the legitimate rights and interests of China's domestic industries and national security interests.