BEIJING — China announced on Friday it was adding 14 European entities to an export control list. The measure was taken in retaliation for the European Union penalizing 14 Chinese enterprises as part of its latest round of sanctions against Russia.

Chinese companies will not be allowed to export dual-use items to the 14 European organizations, China’s Commerce Ministry said in a statement. Foreign companies are barred from providing to the 14 entities dual-use items made in China. Dual-use items are defined as goods that can be used for both civilian and military purposes.

The European companies affected include Czech vehicle manufacturer Tatra Trucks, Italian electric motor maker Lafert SpA, German manufacturer Sindlhauser Materials GmbH and French drone manufacturer Cavok UAS. These four firms are among the 14 entities facing the new restrictions on receiving controlled goods from Chinese sources.

A Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson said the measures were taken in retaliation for the E.U. on Thursday adding 14 mainland Chinese and Hong Kong enterprises to its latest list of sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine. The spokesperson attributed the timing of Beijing's response to the European action that occurred one day prior.

A Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson said the measures are intended “to safeguard national security and interests, and to fulfill international obligations such as non-proliferation, in response to the E.U.’s egregious actions.” The statement framed the export controls as a necessary step to protect national interests while meeting international non-proliferation duties.

The E.U. on Thursday adopted its 21st package of sanctions against Russia targeting banks, cryptocurrency companies and military equipment manufacturers among other categories. This latest round of European penalties expanded the scope of entities facing restrictions for their alleged connections to the Russian war effort.

The E.U. sanctions included entities from other countries such as China, India and Turkey, believed to provide Russia with dual-use goods and technology. The inclusion of firms from these three nations reflected European concerns about global supply chains supporting Russian military capabilities through dual-use technology transfers.