China Criticizes U.S. Over Chip Export Controls and Student Visa Policies

Tone & Political Bias: Center

Why: The article presents statements and actions from both the U.S. and China without favoring either side, maintaining a neutral tone.

Background

On June 2, 2025, China's Ministry of Commerce issued a statement condemning recent U.S. actions, including:

• Implementing export control guidelines on artificial intelligence (AI) chips

• Halting the sale of chip design software to Chinese entities

• Planning to revoke visas for Chinese students studying in the United States

  
  

China asserts that these measures violate the consensus reached during trade discussions in Geneva the previous month, where both nations agreed to reduce tariffs and improve trade relations.

Details of the Trade Agreement

In the Geneva agreement, the United States committed to lowering a 145% tariff to 30%, while China agreed to reduce its tariff on U.S. goods from 125% to 10%. This 90-day truce aimed to provide a window for more substantive negotiations. However, underlying tensions between the two countries remain unresolved.

China's Position

China maintains that it has upheld its commitments under the trade agreement by canceling or suspending tariffs and non-tariff measures against the U.S. The Ministry of Commerce accused the U.S. of unilaterally provoking new economic and trade frictions, thereby exacerbating uncertainty in bilateral relations. China has warned of unspecified retaliatory measures to protect its interests.

U.S. Perspective

President Donald Trump has accused China of violating the trade agreement, stating on social media that China "has totally violated its agreement with us." He indicated plans to discuss the matter with Chinese President Xi Jinping. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick suggested that China's slow compliance prompted the U.S. to take these actions, aiming to demonstrate the consequences of non-compliance.

Technological and Educational Implications

The U.S. measures are part of a broader strategy to curb China's access to advanced technologies, particularly in the AI and semiconductor sectors. The revocation of Chinese student visas could impact over 275,000 Chinese nationals currently studying in the U.S., potentially affecting academic and research collaborations.

Strategic Context

The dispute occurs amid strategic competition between the U.S. and China over technological supremacy and influence in the Asia-Pacific region. China's ambitions include expanding its technological capabilities and asserting greater control over areas like Taiwan, a key U.S. partner and technological hub.

The situation remains fluid, with both nations expressing readiness to defend their interests. Further developments will depend on upcoming negotiations and potential retaliatory actions from China.