China criticizes reported US plans for new curbs on optical transceivers

Beijing said proposed import restrictions and added tariffs on polysilicon products would disrupt China-US trade and hurt businesses and consumers.

Summary

China on Wednesday pushed back against reported U.S. plans to tighten import restrictions on Chinese optical transceivers and impose additional tariffs and price controls on polysilicon and related products. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Beijing "firmly opposes" what it called Washington's overuse of national security concerns to target Chinese companies, arguing that such protectionist steps would damage normal commercial ties rather than improve U.S. competitiveness. He said the reported measures would seriously disrupt trade and economic exchanges between Chinese and U.S. firms and were not in the interests of U.S. businesses or consumers. Lin added that China would continue to "firmly protect" the legitimate rights and interests of its companies.

Terms & Concepts
  • optical transceivers: Devices that send and receive optical signals
  • polysilicon: Highly purified silicon used in solar manufacturing
  • tariffs: Taxes imposed on imported goods