As many as 200 of China’s chip manufacturers could be hit by tough new trade restrictions to be announced by outgoing US President Joe Biden. The move would be a further escalation of the ongoing tech war being waged by America on its closest geopolitical rival.
According to an email from the US Chamber of Commerce to its members, cited in the Guardian, US suppliers will soon be barred from exporting goods to the companies, which make integrated circuits and advanced memory chips.
Mao Ning, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said yesterday that China objected to Washington’s abuse of export control measures and imposition of what she called a “malicious blockade and crackdown” on China.
[See more: China will ‘overtake the US in hi-tech and military manufacturing in a decade’]
She said that the US actions violated the principles of market economy and fair competition, undermined international trade, and disrupted the stability of global supply chains.
The news comes after Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) was ordered to pause shipments of certain products to some mainland clients by the US Commerce Department earlier this month.
Some analysts believe that Washington’s tactics will ultimately backfire, as they are spurring Beijing to become self-reliant, accelerating scientific progress that may see China overtake the US in military and advanced technology in a decade.
