Beijing, May 21 (EFE).- The Chinese government on Wednesday said the new warnings from the United States about the “risk” of the use of AI chips from the Asian tech giant Huawei was “intimidating.”
“(The US is imposing) typical unilateral bullying and protectionism, which seriously undermine the stability of the global semiconductor industry chain and supply chain,” said the Chinese Commerce Ministry in a statement.
These remarks were made in response to guidance from the US Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), which warned its industry sector about the “risk” of using Chinese semiconductors.
The American body specifically referred to Huawei’s Ascend 910B, 910C, and 910D chips, which Washington claims were developed and produced in violation of US export controls.
Beijing denounced the move, saying it harms Chinese companies and violates their rights.
“These actions seriously harm the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises and endanger China’s development interests,” the ministry said while accusing Washington of “abusing export controls to suppress and contain China.”
The statement also warned that US measures are suspected to be discriminatory and that “any organization or individual that enforces or assists in enforcing such measures” could be in violation of Chinese law.
It also urged Washington to comply with international economic and trade rules, respect other countries’ rights to scientific and technological development, and correct these practices while announcing “firm steps to safeguard” China’s legitimate rights and interests.
The guidance on Chinese AI chips was issued shortly after the two countries announced a three-month deal to reduce tariffs — Washington from 145 percent to 30 percent, and Beijing from 125 percent to 10 percent — following two days of negotiations in Switzerland and an unprecedented tariff war in April.
The semiconductor sector is crucial for China as it is one of the cornerstones of its plans to strengthen technological self-sufficiency and reduce dependence on other countries amid the trade war and sanctions imposed by the US. EFE
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