China to protect its legitimate rights, interests against US semiconductor export control

China will take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests against the latest U.S. move to impose semiconductor export control on China, a spokesman of China's Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

On Monday, the U.S. Commerce Department announced curbs on the sale of two dozen types of semiconductor-making equipment and restrictions on Chinese companies from accessing U.S. semiconductor technology.

Speaking at a press conference in Beijing in response, He Yadong, the spokesman, lashed out at the U.S. move.

"The U.S. has constantly overstretched the concept of national security, abused export control measures and engaged in unilateral bullying actions. On December 2, it once again announced semiconductor export control measures against China, which severely disrupts market rules and the international economic and trade order. It creates significant uncertainty for normal trade in the semiconductor sector and threatens stability of global industrial and supply chains. China will take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests," said the spokesman.

If the United States imposes tariffs on Chinese goods, it will not be conducive to either side or the whole world, a spokesman of China's Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

He Yadong, the spokesman, said at a press conference in Beijing in response to reports that U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that his administration was discussing imposing a 10 percent tariff on goods imported from China starting on Feb. 1.

"China's stance on tariffs is consistent. These tariff measures do not serve the interests of either China or the U.S., nor for the whole world. China is willing to work with the United States to promote the steady, sound and sustainable development of China-U.S. economic and trade relations based on the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation," said He.