China Imposes Restrictions on Key Chipmaking Exports to the US

BEIJING: Beijing announced on Tuesday its decision to restrict the import of certain semiconductor components from the United States. This move comes as a direct response to Washington’s recent measures aimed at curbing China’s ability to manufacture advanced chips.

In a statement, the Beijing commerce ministry listed gallium, antimony, and germanium as materials that cannot be exported due to “national security” concerns. The ministry announced that there will be “stricter reviews of end-users and end-uses” on graphite exports, as well as on other critical components.

“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 announced.

It further stated, “Any organization or individual in any country or region violating the relevant regulations will be held accountable according to the law.”

Washington, DC, issued new sales restrictions on Monday, affecting 140 companies, including Chinese semiconductor giants Piotech and SiCarrier, without further permits. The US Commerce Department reports that they also have an effect on Naura Technology Group, a company that manufactures equipment for chip fabrication.

With this action, Washington is stepping up its efforts to limit the shipment of cutting-edge electronics to China. These chips are utilized in sophisticated warfare systems and AI.

Additionally, the new US regulations regulate three different software tools used in the semiconductor industry, as well as twenty different kinds of chip-making equipment. With accusations that the US “abuses export control measures” and has “hindered normal economic and trade exchanges,” Beijing wasted no time pledging to protect its interests.

While unveiling its own export limitations on Tuesday, China accused Washington of “politicised and weaponised economic, trade and technological issues.”

In addition, “dual-use items to United States military users or for military purposes” will be more restricted in exports, according to Beijing.

The European Union said last year that gallium, an ingredient in integrated circuits, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and solar panels, is produced almost entirely in China.