China on Saturday announced two investigations targeting the U.S. semiconductor sector, ahead of upcoming trade talks in Spain addressing trade, national security, and TikTok ownership.
China’s Ministry of Commerce said it has opened an anti-dumping probe into certain analog IC chips imported from the U.S., including commodity interface IC chips and gate driver IC chips, typically produced by firms like Texas Instruments and ON Semiconductor. Separately, the ministry announced an anti-discrimination investigation into U.S. actions affecting China’s chip industry.
The move comes ahead of U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s meeting with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Madrid between Sunday and Wednesday. A Chinese commerce spokesperson said U.S. measures such as export restrictions and tariffs aim to “contain and suppress China’s development” in high-tech industries, including advanced chips and artificial intelligence.
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The announcement follows the U.S. adding 23 Chinese firms to its “entity list” on Friday for alleged threats to national security and foreign policy, including two accused of acquiring chipmaking equipment for SMIC.
The Madrid talks continue a series of negotiations in Geneva, London, and Stockholm this year, aimed at easing trade tensions and delaying higher tariffs.
Source: Agency