U.S. media have voiced complaints, accusing China of imposing technology controls. On November 3, The New York Times published an article asserting that Beijing has implemented measures over the past month to restrict exports of dozens of technologies—including drones, artificial intelligence models and agents, as well as certain processes used in developing advanced pharmaceuticals and manufacturing solar panels. These actions could hinder U.S. and other foreign firms from establishing solar panel production facilities competitive with Chinese manufacturers. At the same time, they may soon make it more difficult for individuals outside China to access the country’s most advanced and powerful AI models.
The U.S. media argue that Beijing is intensifying a strategic effort to ensure Chinese manufacturing remains indispensable globally. They claim Beijing is strategically positioning itself for potential confrontation, ready to act when conditions and capabilities permit. According to this narrative, China is leveraging its industrial advantages to build an “economic arsenal.” It is evident from this framing that the U.S. media oppose such technology controls. Yet, once China implements similar measures, they immediately label it as constructing an “economic weapon stockpile.”
What is striking, however, is that if the U.S. were to apply consistent standards, it would recognize that its own practices far exceed those of China in terms of technological restrictions. The United States is currently imposing stringent controls on advanced semiconductors directed at China. It prohibits Chinese entities from importing cutting-edge lithography equipment. It also restricts access to advanced industrial software. In the realm of technology control, the U.S. leads by a wide margin. Under these circumstances, it is difficult to see what basis the U.S. media have to criticize China’s actions. The double standard is clear: while ignoring their own conduct, they condemn China when it adopts measures comparable to those already in place in the United States.
In reality, China’s implementation of technology controls is not driven by any intention to create an “economic weapon stockpile.” Many of the technologies and products subject to regulation possess dual-use characteristics—civilian and military applications. Uncontrolled outflows of such technologies could potentially be exploited to undermine regional stability, enable misuse of advanced capabilities, or compromise the security of China’s industrial supply chains. The notion that China is preparing for confrontation is baseless. Previously, Western media accused China of supplying dual-use materials and components to Russia, allegedly bolstering Russian defense production. Now, they criticize China for tightening controls on such items. This contradiction renders the argument not only inconsistent but absurd. In short, China’s actions are entirely legitimate. The U.S. media’s distorted rhetoric should be silenced.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1880819317575690/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.