Beijing condemned Washington’s latest sanctions on Chinese research institutions, calling them discriminatory and warning they could further damage scientific cooperation amid rising technology and national security tensions.
China has strongly condemned the United States for placing several Chinese research institutions on a sanctions list, calling the decision politically motivated and harmful to international scientific cooperation. The latest move adds to growing tensions between the world’s two largest economies over technology, trade and national security.
Speaking on Wednesday, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce accused Washington of using national security as a pretext to restrict scientific and technological exchanges with China. Beijing said it would take “necessary measures” to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its research institutions.
Chinese officials argued that the United States has continued to broaden the definition of national security, creating what Beijing described as discriminatory barriers against Chinese universities and research organizations. China also criticized the politicization and weaponization of scientific research, warning that such actions could undermine collaboration between researchers and academic institutions worldwide.
Beijing urged Washington to withdraw what it called unjustified accusations against Chinese institutions and provide fair, transparent and non-discriminatory treatment to Chinese research organizations. Chinese authorities maintained that open international cooperation remains essential for scientific progress and technological innovation.
The dispute comes as the United States continues tightening restrictions on China’s access to advanced technologies, particularly in the semiconductor sector. Washington has argued that these measures are necessary to protect national security and prevent sensitive technologies from supporting China’s military capabilities.
China, meanwhile, has accelerated efforts to strengthen its domestic semiconductor industry and reduce reliance on foreign-made advanced chips affected by US export controls.
Last week, the US Department of Defense updated its list of foreign institutions allegedly involved in what it described as “problematic activities.” The revised list included several Chinese defense-related academies, universities and Shanghai-based Fudan University.
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