Q: The U.S. is constantly assessing the need to expand export controls to stop China from acquiring advanced computer chips and manufacturing equipment that could be used to boost its military, said the U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo amid the U.S. Presidential Trade and Investment Mission to the Philippines. What’s the Embassy’s comment on this?

A: The U.S. imposition of restrictions on semiconductors export to China not only violates the principle of most-favored-nation (MFN) treatment stipulated in Article 1 of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and relevant provisions of the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade, but also goes against market principles, disrupts normal trade order, and interrupts the international production and supply chain. It is a clear case of economic bullying. Such U.S. restrictions on exports to China are under the pretext of "national security”. However, these measures go far beyond their excuse and gravely hinder the normal trade of ordinary chips for civilian use.

Instead of focusing on economic cooperation with the Philippines, the U.S. Presidential Trade and Investment Mission dwelled on  so-called national security, and sounded clarion calls for ganging up against China's technological development. Many sober-headed Philippine individuals are questioning: are the Americans really here to help the Philippines advance development?

The U.S. should immediately cease the wrong practice of politicizing, instrumentalizing, and weaponizing economic, trade, and sci-tech issues, and should refrain from enticing its allies into decoupling from China. China stands ready to take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.