China imposes export ban in retaliation against the US.

On December 3, China banned exports of several key minerals to the United States, in retaliation for Washington's earlier export restrictions targeting Beijing's semiconductor industry.

On December 3, China's Ministry of Commerce ordered a ban on the export to the United States of key materials for semiconductor production, such as gallium, antimony, germanium, and other supersolid materials with potential military applications.

China's ban was imposed a day after the US moved to restrict exports.

According to Reuters, the decision was made for national security reasons and will take effect immediately. The export of graphite, another key material, will also be subject to stricter scrutiny regarding end users and intended uses.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce warned that any individual or organization in any country violating the relevant ban would be held accountable under the law.

The previous day, the US ordered export restrictions on 140 Chinese companies, including chip manufacturers such as Piotech and SiCarrier. The regulations also affected Naura Technology, a chip manufacturing equipment company. The US move aims to prevent the export of advanced chips that could be used in weapons systems and artificial intelligence, according to AFP.

China called the US actions an abuse of export controls, hindering normal trade and economic exchange.

In a statement on December 3, China accused the United States of politicizing and weaponizing economic, trade, and technological issues.

China accounts for 94% of global gallium production, a material used in circuit boards, LEDs, and photovoltaic panels. China also accounts for 83% of germanium production, primarily used in fiber optics, infrared technology, and solar panels. Antimony is used in the production of ammunition, infrared missiles, nuclear weapons, night vision goggles, batteries, and photovoltaic equipment.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/trung-quoc-tung-lenh-cam-xuat-khau-dap-tra-my-18524120320372811.htm