China slams US chip export rules, Says it will affect semiconductor industry

China criticised the US decision to impose rules regarding exports that will make it difficult for China to obtain and manufacture advanced computing chips. Beijing said it is a violation of international economic and trade rules.

The US on Friday updated export controls that added certain advanced, high-performance computing chips and semiconductor manufacturing equipment to the list. China will now need new licence requirements for items used in supercomputer or semiconductor development.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said the US abuses export control measures to maliciously block and suppress Chinese companies. "It will not only damage the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies but also affect American companies' interests,'' reported AP. She added that the US weaponisation and politicisation of science and technology will not stop China's progress. Ning also warned that the new US rule will "isolate and backfire'' on it.

The relationship between China and the US has been deteriorating over the years and technology and security are among the main reasons. The US is now implementing measures to prevent China from obtaining the chip technology. On the other hand, Beijing has already invested billions into the production of semiconductors.

The Semiconductor Industry Association, which represents the US semiconductor industry, said in an official statement that it understands the goal of ensuring national security and urges the US government to implement the rules in a targeted way, in collaboration with international partners to help level the playing field and mitigate unintended harm to US innovation.