Beijing announced on Tuesday that it would restrict exports of key semiconductor components to the United States, following Washington’s recent curbs targeting China’s advanced chip production capabilities.
Among the materials banned from export are gallium, antimony, and germanium, according to a statement from China’s Commerce Ministry, which cited “national security” concerns.
Exports of graphite, another critical material, will also face “stricter reviews of end-users and end-uses,” the ministry stated.
“To safeguard national security interests and fulfil international obligations such as non-proliferation, China has decided to strengthen export controls on relevant dual-use items to the United States,” Beijing said.
The statement warned that “any organisation or individual in any country or region violating the relevant regulations will be held accountable according to the law.”
This move follows Washington’s latest measures on Monday, which imposed restrictions on sales to 140 companies, including Chinese chip firms Piotech and SiCarrier, without additional authorisation.
Naura Technology Group, a manufacturer of chip production equipment, is also affected, according to the US Commerce Department.
The expanded US curbs target the export of advanced chips, which can be used in weapons systems and artificial intelligence, as well as controls on two dozen types of chip-making equipment and software tools.
Beijing responded swiftly, accusing the US of abusing export control measures and hindering normal economic and trade exchanges.
‘Weaponised’ trade
China also criticised Washington for “politicising and weaponising economic, trade, and technological issues,” as it introduced its own export curbs on Tuesday.
The new measures restrict the export of dual-use items to US military users or for military purposes.
China dominates global production of several critical materials: it accounts for 94% of gallium, used in integrated circuits, LEDs, and photovoltaic panels, and 83% of germanium, essential for fibre optics and infrared technologies, according to a European Union report.
Previously, Beijing had tightened restrictions on these metals by requiring exporters to disclose information about end users and their intended purposes. However, the latest measures now impose outright bans.
The new curbs also extend restrictions on exports of certain types of graphite, which is crucial for manufacturing batteries for electric vehicles.
“The move is clearly a retaliatory strike at the US,” said Chong Ja Ian, Associate Professor of Political Science at the National University of Singapore, in comments to AFP.
“Should these back-and-forth curbs affect trade for third parties, this could disrupt supply chains and create inflationary pressures,” he added.
AFP