China firmly opposes abuse of trade control

China firmly opposes the abuse of export control measures and discriminatory restrictions imposed on Chinese enterprises by the United States, and the US should work together with China to promote stable and sustainable development of Sino-US economic and trade relations, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

The ministry made the statement following news that the US government may introduce a new series of sanctions affecting at least 200 Chinese chipmakers. The US government may prohibit most US suppliers from shipping products to those Chinese chipmakers, according to a recent email sent by the US Chamber of Commerce to its members.

This practice seriously undermines the international economic and trade order, disrupts the security and stability of the global supply chain, damages the interests of Chinese and US enterprises, and even the development of the global semiconductor industry, the commerce ministry said.

"China hopes that the US will respect the laws of market economy and the principle of fair competition. If the US insists on upgrading its control, China will take necessary measures to firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises," He Yadong, spokesman for the ministry, said during a news conference in Beijing.

Meanwhile, it is reported that US president-elect Donald Trump said he would impose an additional tariff of 10 percent on goods imported from China from his first day in office.

The commerce ministry said China's opposition to unilateral tariff measures has been consistent. The US should abide by the rules of the World Trade Organization and work together with China to promote stable economic and trade relations, based on the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation.

Amid global uncertainties such as geopolitical tensions and trade protectionism, a number of US companies said they are bullish on their growth potential in China and plan to further strengthen cooperation with Chinese industry players.

Ingersoll Rand Inc, a US industrial product manufacturer, said it would continue to deliver solutions to meet the evolving demand of high-end manufacturing and sustainability in China.

Arnold Li, the group's senior vice-president, said that the Davidson, North Carolina-headquartered group will strengthen its partnerships with local customers and stakeholders in China to gain deeper insights into their needs and provide tailored solutions.

zhuwenqian@chinadaily.com.cn