The salvo came a day before the diplomats took their seats. China’s Ministry of Commerce announced twin investigations into U.S. chip practices, accusing Washington of discrimination and dumping. The move, timed on the eve of fresh trade talks in Madrid, sent a clear message: Beijing intends to challenge what it calls unfair restrictions on its tech sector, and it will use every tool at its disposal to push back.
• China opens probes into U.S. chip policies
• Investigations target discrimination and dumping claims
• Announcement timed before trade talks in Madrid
The first probe will examine whether U.S. trade policy singles out Chinese firms in chip-related industries, while the second will investigate suspected dumping of analog chips used in consumer electronics and medical devices. Chinese officials framed the measures as a defense against protectionism, arguing that restrictions and export controls are designed to curb its ambitions in high-tech industries such as advanced semiconductors and artificial intelligence.
• Probes focus on discrimination and chip dumping
• Targeted products include hearing aids, routers and sensors
• Beijing calls U.S. actions protectionist and suppressive
The timing underscores the stakes of the Madrid dialogue, which begins September 14 under the leadership of Vice Premier He Lifeng. Topics on the table range from U.S. tariffs and export controls to the future of TikTok. China has already signaled it will question Washington’s motives for expanding sanctions, pressing for relief from policies that it says damage mutual trust and global supply chains.
• Talks in Madrid led by Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng
• Agenda includes tariffs, export controls and TikTok
• Beijing demands clarification of U.S. sanctions motives
Tensions escalated further after the U.S. Commerce Department added 32 entities, including 23 Chinese firms, to its restricted trade list on Friday. Among them were companies accused of acquiring U.S. chipmaking equipment for SMIC, China’s top chipmaker. These moves added fuel to a long-running dispute over access to cutting-edge technology, even as both sides agreed earlier this summer to a temporary pause on tariffs.
• U.S. adds 32 new entities to restricted trade list
• Chinese firms linked to SMIC targeted
• Comes after July agreement to extend tariff pause
TikTok looms over the Madrid talks as a political flashpoint. The platform faces a looming deadline to divest its U.S. assets or risk a nationwide ban, with lawmakers citing concerns about data security. Beijing has countered with assurances that it does not compel companies to hand over foreign user data, framing Washington’s demands as an attack on legitimate business rights. How negotiators handle TikTok could define whether the trade truce holds or fractures once more.
• TikTok divestment deadline approaches September 17
• U.S. lawmakers cite national security risks
• China denies misuse of foreign user data and defends its firms
