China will impose export restrictions on antimony- and superhard materials-related commodities from Sept. 15, according to a statement jointly released Thursday by China's Ministry of Commerce and the country's General Administration of Customs.

The document noted that some products related to antimony and superhard materials cannot be exported without authorization.

The move is aimed at protecting national security as well as fulfilling non-proliferation and other international obligations, the document said.

“It is international practice to implement export controls on antimony, superhard materials and other related items,” a Commerce Ministry spokesperson said in an online statement.

The statement noted that the export controls do not target any specific country or region. China will authorize exports that comply with relevant regulations.

According to the statement, the Chinese government firmly protects world peace and the stability of neighboring regions, ensures the security of global production and supply chains, and promotes trade in accordance with regulations.

At the same time, the Chinese government opposes any countries or regions using China's controlled goods to carry out activities that undermine China's national sovereignty, security and development interests, the statement said.