China’s Ministry of Commerce has issued a sharp rebuke against the United States following the introduction of new restrictive measures targeting China’s testing, certification, and telecommunications sectors.
In a statement released Friday, a spokesperson for the ministry expressed “strong opposition” to the move, describing it as a blatant violation of international trade norms and an attempt to stifle Chinese technological advancement under the guise of national security.
The latest U.S. restrictions specifically target the critical “test and certification” phase of technology production. By placing hurdles on how Chinese telecommunications equipment and electronic components are certified for use, the U.S. effectively creates a technical barrier to entry for Chinese firms in global markets.
Beijing argues that these measures will disrupt global supply chains that by complicating the certification process, the U.S. risks slowing down the deployment of next-generation telecom infrastructure.
China claims the restrictions ignore the principles of fair competition and non-discrimination that the U.S. traditionally advocates. The ministry also asserts that Washington is using technical standards as a political tool to suppress Chinese enterprises.
The telecommunications sector has remained the primary battlefield for the ongoing China-U.S. “tech war.” These new restrictions are seen as an extension of previous bans on Chinese 5G equipment providers. By targeting the certification process, the U.S. moves further “upstream,” affecting not just the final products but the very standards that govern international tech integration.
While the statement focused on a diplomatic and verbal protest, Beijing signaled that it would not remain passive. The Ministry of Commerce stated it would take “all necessary measures” to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.
This suggests that China may respond through its own “Unreliable Entity List” or by further tightening export controls on critical raw materials used in the global electronics industry.
