BEIJING (AP) — China on Saturday criticized the recent U.S. decision to tighten export controls that would make it more difficult for China to obtain and manufacture advanced computer chips, calling it a violation of international economic and trade rules that is “isolating and backwards go” will the USA
“Out of necessity to maintain its sci-tech hegemony, the US is abusing export control measures to maliciously block and suppress Chinese companies,” said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning.
“It will not only damage the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies, but also affect the interests of American companies,” she said.
Mao also said US “weaponization and politicization” of science and technology, economic and trade issues will not stop China’s progress.
She spoke after the US on Friday updated export controls that included adding certain advanced, high-performance computer chips and semiconductor manufacturing equipment to its list, as well as new licensing requirements for items that would be used in a supercomputer or for semiconductor development in China.
The US said the export controls were added as part of ongoing efforts to protect national security and US foreign policy interests.
US-China relations have deteriorated in recent years over technology and security issues. The US has introduced a series of measures and restrictions to prevent China from acquiring chip technology, while China has allocated billions to invest in semiconductor production.
The tensions have hit semiconductor companies in the US and around the world that either export chips or make chips in China. Semiconductor companies like Nvidia and AMD have seen their share price fall 40% over the past year.
“We understand the goal of ensuring national security and call on the US government to implement the rules in a targeted manner – and in collaboration with international partners – to level the playing field and mitigate unintended harm to US innovation,” the Semiconductor Industry Association, which represents the U.S. semiconductor industry, said in a statement.