China has imposed restrictions on exports of some critical minerals used in chip production in response to new US sanctions aimed at making it difficult for Chinese companies to produce advanced semiconductors. China’s Ministry of Commerce announced on Tuesday that it has stopped the sale of minerals that can be used in the military field, such as gallium, germanium and antimony, to the USA on national security grounds. Graphite exports will also be more strictly controlled.
The US Department of Commerce announced on Monday that it has introduced new regulations to “further weaken” China’s ability to produce semiconductors for artificial intelligence and weapons systems. These regulations cover equipment and software used in semiconductor manufacturing, high-bandwidth memory chips, and exports to 140 Chinese startups. US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo stated in her statement that this step, together with the US’s allies, aims to prevent China’s ability to become self-sufficient in advanced technologies.
China has tightly controlled the supply of rare materials in recent months. For example, in September it limited exports of antimony, which is used in chip production and military equipment. According to The New York Times, China is demanding that exporters explain in detail how these materials will be used in Western supply chains.
According to experts, these mutual sanctions further escalate the technology race between the USA and China. China’s restriction of exports of critical materials such as gallium and germanium may complicate efforts to reduce dependence in these areas. The USA clearly states that this situation aims to slow down progress, especially in artificial intelligence and military technologies.
Tensions between China and the USA may become a little more tense during the Trump era
On the other hand, in addition to US technology sanctions, incoming President Donald Trump’s plans to impose new tariffs on Chinese products may also fuel discussions. These developments signal that the economic and technological conflict between the two countries may turn into a long-term crisis.
These latest moves could profoundly impact not only the technology sector but also global supply chains. Mutual steps taken by China and the USA in this field may force other countries to make strategic decisions.