US Imposes Trade Restrictions on Dozens of Entities Targeting China
US Expands Trade Blacklist to Curb China’s AI and Military Tech Advancements
The United States has imposed new trade restrictions on dozens of entities, including companies from China, Iran, and the UAE, in a move aimed at limiting Beijing’s advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), supercomputing, and military technology.
The US Commerce Department announced on Tuesday that 80 entities were added to its "Entity List," effectively barring them from accessing US-made technology and components without government approval.
Why Did the US Impose These Restrictions?
The Biden administration cited national security concerns, accusing these companies of supporting:
- China’s military-industrial complex
- Unsafe nuclear programs
- Ballistic missile development
- Hypersonic weapons research
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated:
"We will not allow adversaries to exploit American technology to bolster their own militaries and threaten American lives."
Key Entities Targeted
Among the blacklisted firms are:
- Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence (BAAI) – A leading AI research institute
- Subsidiaries of Inspur Group – A major Chinese IT and semiconductor firm
- Entities linked to Iran’s drone and defense programs
The restrictions aim to disrupt China’s access to high-performance AI chips, supercomputers, and advanced semiconductor technology—key components in modern military and AI applications.
China’s Response: Accusations of "Economic Coercion"
Beijing condemned the move, calling it "economic bullying" and "hegemonic behavior."
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun responded:
"The US is weaponizing trade and technology. We urge Washington to stop abusing export controls and will take necessary measures to protect Chinese companies."
Global Impact & What’s Next?
This escalation in US-China tech tensions could:
- Disrupt global semiconductor supply chains
- Slow China’s AI and supercomputing progress
- Increase pressure on allied nations to align with US export controls
Analysts warn that China may retaliate with its own trade restrictions, further straining economic relations.
Conclusion
The latest US trade blacklist underscores growing concerns over China’s technological and military rise. As Washington tightens export controls, the global tech industry faces new challenges in navigating US-China trade policies.