US Tightens Tech Curbs on China Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit
WASHINGTON — The United States is stepping up pressure on China across multiple strategic fronts, including new export controls on advanced technology, as President Donald Trump prepares for a planned summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in mid-May. The moves are designed to strengthen Washington's negotiating position, according to analysts, but Beijing appears to be adapting to earlier restrictions.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, seeking to reassure lawmakers that American technology is not aiding China's military. Lutnick asserted that Trump is striking a "delicate balance" on technology transfer given his cordial personal relationship with Xi, claiming that China has not purchased any advanced chips "as of today."
"There is a delicate balance in the relationship with China. President Trump has the best relationship with President Xi, and he balances that," Lutnick said, adding that "I understand that balance, but the president understands it the best."
Hoping to be "crystal clear," Lutnick stated that the US is not "selling our best chips to China under any circumstances," and reiterated that "they have not bought any as of today."
However, his testimony drew skepticism from lawmakers who point to the administration's willingness to sell advanced semiconductors. Representative Gregory Meeks of New York, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued a scathing critique of what he framed as lax enforcement of outbound technology curbs.
Meanwhile, the House Foreign Affairs Committee has advanced 20 new export control measures aimed at tightening Chinese access to American technology, particularly advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment. The measures would also require allies such as the Netherlands and Japan to align more closely with US restrictions on chipmaking tools.
The US Department of Commerce has also ordered chip equipment companies to halt shipments of certain tools to Hua Hong Semiconductor, China's second-largest chipmaker, according to a Reuters report on Wednesday.
The escalating measures come against a backdrop of long-running tensions over semiconductors. Over the past decade, the US has built an entity list that now includes over 1,000 Chinese companies barred from buying advanced chips or chipmaking equipment, starting with firms like Huawei and ZTE.
Despite these restrictions, Beijing appears to be pushing forward with its own semiconductor ambitions. Analysts note that China has adapted to earlier curbs by reducing its reliance on the American market and building domestic capabilities.
Marcus Noland, executive vice-president at the Peterson Institute of International Economics, described the situation as "a very dangerous game of chicken," noting that while the upcoming summit may feature proclamations of cooperation, serious trade conflicts are brewing beneath the surface.
"It kind of looks calm, like OK, maybe the summit could cement this agreement, and everything will be fine. But actually, underneath the surface here, we see a lot of pressure brewing," Noland said.
China has also retaliated in response to US actions, imposing its own restrictions on exports of critical minerals and other materials.
As the two sides prepare to meet, the tension between economic interdependence and technological competition remains a central challenge. The outcome of the summit could shape the trajectory of US-China relations in the coming months, from trade to technology to regional security.