China restricts exports to the US of crucial semiconductor components

These metals can be used in dual technologies, that is, those that can be deployed for both civil and military purposes.

Exports of graphite, another key component of semiconductors, will also be subject “to stricter reviews of uses and end users,” the ministry said.

“To safeguard national security interests and comply with international obligations such as non-proliferation, China has decided to strengthen export controls on dual-use items to the United States,” he justified.

From now on, any sale to the United States of these components must have a license from the Chinese administration. Furthermore, all exports “with military uses” are strictly prohibited.

The United States Department of Commerce had announced on Monday a new package of restrictions on exports to China of semiconductors and materials to manufacture them.

With the new measures, this department must issue additional authorization for sales to 140 Chinese companies, including the chip firms Piotech and SiCarrier or the Naura Techology group, which produces equipment to manufacture them.

Under President Joe Biden, the United States has undertaken numerous measures to restrict exports to China of cutting-edge chips that can be used in advanced weapons systems or artificial intelligence.

In its statement, the Chinese ministry accuses Washington of having “politicized and weaponized economic, commercial and technological issues.”