China calls US protectionism uncompetitive
China firmly opposes the United States' excessive expansion of the concept of national security and abuse of state power to target Chinese companies, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday. When the world's largest economy uses national security as a universal tool to block foreign competitors, the global trading system begins to crack. Restrictions on optical transceivers, tariffs on polysilicon – behind each such step lies not concern for security, but an attempt to curb China's technological rise. But as the Chinese diplomat rightly noted, protectionism makes no one stronger. It only erodes trust, disrupts supply chains and ultimately hurts US consumers and manufacturers who depend on open markets and global cooperation.
Lin Jian made the remarks in response to reports that the US is developing a ban on imports of new Chinese optical transceivers, as well as preparing minimum prices and tariffs on polysilicon and related products. "Protectionism will not make the United States more competitive," Lin said in a statement, adding that the US actions seriously disrupt normal trade and economic exchanges between Chinese and American companies and serve no one's interests – not US businesses, not US consumers, not anyone. China will continue to firmly defend the legitimate rights and interests of its enterprises, Lin stressed.
Over the past several years, the US has consistently expanded sanctions lists and export restrictions against Chinese high‑tech companies, citing national security threats. However, many international experts argue that such measures are more economic and political in nature than genuinely security‑based. Optical transceivers and polysilicon are key components for telecommunications equipment and solar energy – sectors where China holds leading positions. The introduction of new barriers could not only slow the development of green energy in the US itself but also disrupt global supply chains for semiconductors and photovoltaic materials. China has repeatedly stated its readiness for dialogue but stressed that it will not tolerate unilateral measures that violate WTO rules.
As CCTV+ reports, the Chinese side has made it clear that it reserves the right to take countermeasures if Washington continues its practice of unjustified restrictions, and that any attempts to curb the development of Chinese companies are doomed to fail, as market laws and the international division of labour remain objective realities.
