China Responds to US Halt of Engine Technology Sales

In a move mirroring escalating economic tensions, the United States has reportedly halted exports of crucial technologies to China, impacting sectors critical to Beijing’s ambitions. Sources cited by various media outlets indicate that the restrictions, implemented to counter potential Chinese moves in the rare earths sector, target technologies pivotal to the aerospace and semiconductor industries.

Specifically, the Trump administration’s decision, now seemingly extended under the current leadership, has paused the sale of key US technologies, including those related to jet engines, semiconductors, and certain chemical compounds – all foundational for China’s technological self-sufficiency goals.

Further exacerbating the situation, reports suggest that the U.S. Department of Commerce has suspended the licensing of multiple products and technologies destined for the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), impacting the development of its C919 aircraft – a flagship project designed to challenge Western dominance in the commercial aviation space.

Beijing has responded swiftly and forcefully. Speaking at a press briefing today, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lin Jian, condemned the U.S. actions, emphasizing that China “firmly opposes the U.S.’s exaggeration of national security concepts and the abuse of export controls.”

Lin Jian stressed that China’s own export control measures adhere to international norms and are “non-discriminatory” in nature, not aimed at specific countries. He also expressed Beijing’s willingness to engage in dialogue and cooperation with other nations and regions to promote stability in global supply chains.

The spokesperson further argued that the US actions constitute an overbroad interpretation of national security concerns, politicizing and weaponizing economic and technological matters to implement what Beijing sees as malicious containment strategies. “We firmly oppose this,” Lin Jian stated, “and will resolutely safeguard our legitimate interests.”