A reported move by the United States to restrict exports of aircraft parts to China would place another speed bump on production of the C919 – a Chinese passenger jet designed to compete with Airbus and Boeing – as alternative sources of critical components for the plane are not readily available, according to analysts. The US Commerce Department has slowed export licensing for civilian aeroplane parts to China in recent weeks to strengthen Washington’s position in trade talks with Beijing, Reuters reported on Thursday, citing unnamed sources. The move was designed to prevent the state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) – the maker of the C919 – from stockpiling parts, Reuters said. US officials have also reportedly expressed interest in regulations that would make it easier to restrict shipments of aviation hydraulic fluid.