China rejects US sanctions on research institutions
China has strongly opposed a US decision to place several Chinese research institutions on a sanctions list.
Beijing criticised the move on Wednesday. It accused Washington of using national security concerns to restrict scientific and technological cooperation between the two countries.
A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce said Beijing would take necessary steps to protect the legitimate rights and interests of its research institutions.
The spokesperson also said China wanted to maintain a stable environment for normal scientific exchanges and cooperation with international partners.
Beijing accused the United States of repeatedly expanding the definition of national security. It said Washington had created discriminatory barriers against Chinese institutions.
China also criticised what it described as the politicisation and weaponisation of scientific research. According to Beijing, such policies could damage cooperation between researchers and universities in both countries.
The Chinese government said the US measures were against the broader global trend of international cooperation in science and technological innovation.
Beijing urged Washington to withdraw what it called unjustified accusations against Chinese research institutions.
China also called on the United States to correct its policies as soon as possible. It demanded fair, just and non-discriminatory treatment for Chinese research organisations.
The dispute comes amid wider tensions between Washington and Beijing over technology, trade and national security.
The United States has increasingly tightened restrictions on Chinese access to advanced technologies. Semiconductor manufacturing has become a major area of competition between the two countries.
China is also working to expand its domestic semiconductor industry. Beijing aims to reduce its dependence on advanced foreign chips affected by US export restrictions.
Last week, the US Department of Defence updated a list of foreign institutions it considers involved in “problematic activities”.
The updated list included Chinese defence-related academies and several universities.
Shanghai-based Fudan University was also among the institutions added to the list.
The latest move is likely to add another point of tension to already strained US-China relations.
Beijing has repeatedly opposed US measures targeting Chinese companies, universities and research organisations. Washington, meanwhile, has maintained that its restrictions are linked to national security and technology concerns.
