China opposes U.S. export control abuse

China firmly opposes the abuse of export control measures and the discriminatory restrictions imposed on Chinese enterprises, following the news that the U.S. government may introduce a new series of sanctions affecting at least 200 Chinese chipmakers, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

The U.S. government may prohibit most American suppliers from shipping products to those Chinese chipmakers, according to an email by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce sent to its members.

This practice seriously undermines the international economic and trade order, disrupts the security and stability of the global supply chain, damages the interests of Chinese and American enterprises and even the development of the global semiconductor industry, the commerce ministry said.

"China hopes that the U.S. will respect the laws of market economy and the principle of fair competition. If the U.S. insists on increasing its control, China will take necessary measures to firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises," He Yadong, the spokesman for the ministry, said during a press conference in Beijing.

Meanwhile, it is reported that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said he would impose a 10 percent additional tariff on goods imported from China from his first day in office.

The commerce ministry said China's opposition to unilateral tariff measures has been consistent. The U.S. should abide by the rules of the World Trade Organization and work together with China to promote stable and sustainable development of Sino-U.S. economic and trade relations, based on the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation.