China's Ministry of Commerce on Wednesday called the U.S. attempt to globally ban advanced Chinese computing chips a typical move of "unilateral bullying and protectionism" that seriously undermines the global semiconductor industrial and supply chains.
A spokesperson for the ministry said the U.S. Department of Commerce recently released a guidance that, under the pretext of so-called presumed violations of U.S. export control rules, attempts to impose a global ban on advanced Chinese computing chips, including specific Huawei Ascend chips. The U.S. move deprives other countries of their right to develop advanced computing chips and high-tech industries such as artificial intelligence, said the spokesperson in a statement.
The spokesperson said the United States is abusing export controls to restrain and suppress China, which violates international law and the basic norms of international relations, severely harms the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises and undermines China's development interests.
The Chinese side stressed that the U.S. measures are suspected of imposing discriminatory restrictions targeting Chinese companies, the spokesperson said.
Any organization or individual that implements or assists in implementing these measures could be in violation of China's laws and regulations and may be held legally accountable, the spokesperson noted.
Innovation-driven development and mutually beneficial cooperation are the prevailing global trends, the spokesperson said, urging the United States to immediately correct its wrongdoing, abide by international economic and trade rules, and respect other countries' legitimate rights to scientific and technological development.
China supports global enterprises in carrying out scientific and technological cooperation based on market principles to achieve win-win outcomes and promote innovation for the benefit of all, the spokesperson said.
The Chinese side will closely monitor the development of the U.S. measures and take resolute actions to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, the spokesperson added.
China calls US attempt to ban Chinese chips "unilateral bullying and protectionism"
China calls US attempt to ban Chinese chips "unilateral bullying and protectionism"
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
