China Slams U.S. for ‘Abusing’ Export Controls Over Huawei AI Chip Guidance
China has sharply criticized the United States for what it called the “abuse of export control measures”, following new U.S. guidance warning companies against using Huawei’s Ascend AI chips. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce said the move threatens the stability of global semiconductor supply chains and vowed to take action to protect the rights of its domestic companies.
At a press conference on Thursday, Commerce Ministry spokesperson He Yongqian urged Washington to “correct its practices” and accused the U.S. of targeting Chinese tech firms unfairly.
Background:
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On Tuesday, the U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issued new guidance stating that companies using Huawei’s Ascend chips—the firm’s most advanced AI semiconductors—risk violating U.S. export controls.
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These chips are produced by Huawei, a Shenzhen-based tech giant already subject to sweeping U.S. restrictions, and are seen as direct competitors to products from American chipmakers like Nvidia in the Chinese AI market.
China’s Reaction:
The Chinese government views the BIS warning as a deliberate attempt to suppress China’s tech advancement and influence in artificial intelligence. The Ministry emphasized that it will take “necessary measures” to safeguard the legitimate interests of Chinese enterprises.
The dispute underscores growing U.S.–China tensions over semiconductor technology and AI dominance, with Washington seeking to restrict China’s access to critical hardware and Beijing accusing the U.S. of weaponizing trade rules to stifle competition.
This development also comes as the global tech industry becomes increasingly fragmented, with countries pursuing “chip sovereignty” strategies to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.