China has announced new measures to tighten controls on the export of specific dual-use items to the United States, citing national security concerns. The regulations, revealed by the Ministry of Commerce on Tuesday, focus on items related to gallium, germanium, antimony, superhard materials, and graphite, which are critical for semiconductors, infrared technology, communication equipment, solar cells, and lithium batteries.
Under these new measures, China will ban the export of these items to US military users or for military purposes. The controls also impose stricter regulations on exports to the US in general. Dual-use items, which can serve both civilian and military functions, are at the center of the restrictions.
The Ministry of Commerce’s statement accuses the US of overusing the concept of national security and weaponizing economic and technological issues. The US has imposed various export restrictions on China, which has led to growing tensions between the two countries. The latest US restrictions target semiconductor manufacturing equipment and related items, along with adding 136 Chinese entities to an export control list.
China has strongly criticized the US’s unilateral sanctions and actions that interfere with international trade. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian emphasized that China will take decisive steps to protect its security and development interests.
The Chinese government also expressed its commitment to fostering dialogue and cooperation on export control issues, hoping to ensure the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains. Despite the external challenges, Chinese companies, including semiconductor firms like Skyverse Technology and Naura Technology Group, have stated that they are well-positioned to withstand the impact of the new restrictions, with many already achieving self-reliance in key components.
China’s foreign trade data indicates that the nation’s chip exports have been growing, despite the US-imposed restrictions. From January to October, China’s foreign trade in chip products totaled $447.41 billion, with exports increasing by 19.6% year-on-year.
The US’s actions, including targeting companies such as Huawei and adding more entities to its export control list, appear to be prompting China to accelerate its efforts to develop domestic alternatives and further reduce dependence on foreign technology.
This escalation in trade tensions, coupled with the growing strength of China’s tech sector, suggests that the rivalry between the two global powers will continue to reshape the global technology landscape.