[Text/Observer Network Qi Qian] As the trade tensions between China and the United States continue, on June 6, Reuters cited sources saying that the Trump administration recently suspended the licenses for American nuclear equipment suppliers to sell products to Chinese power plants.

According to four知情 sources, the U.S. Department of Commerce has issued an embargo to companies, suspending export licenses for nuclear power plant components and equipment. The report stated that over the past two weeks, the Sino-U.S. trade war has shifted from tariff negotiations to mutual supply chain restrictions, affecting numerous companies including nuclear equipment suppliers.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has not yet responded to requests for comment on the nuclear equipment export restrictions.

However, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Commerce confirmed on May 28 that they are reviewing export products of strategic significance to China. The spokesperson stated in a statement: "In some cases, the Department of Commerce has suspended existing export licenses or imposed additional licensing requirements during the review period."

The report mentioned that American nuclear equipment suppliers include Westinghouse Electric and Emerson. Among them, Westinghouse Electric's technology is widely used in more than 400 nuclear reactors worldwide, while Emerson provides measurement and other tools for the nuclear industry. Neither company has responded to requests for comment.

Two sources said that this ban affected businesses worth hundreds of millions of dollars for American companies.

Photo of Westinghouse Electric Corporation of the United States

In a statement on June 6, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in the United States responded, stating that during the call between the leaders of China and the United States, it was emphasized that both sides should earnestly implement the agreement reached on May 12 in Geneva. China has been "seriously" implementing this agreement, and its control over rare earth exports to the U.S. is consistent with precedent, not targeted at any specific country. The statement pointed out: "The U.S. side should recognize the progress made and cancel the negative measures taken against China."

It is worth noting that these announcements come as the global nuclear energy landscape undergoes profound changes. Leveraging its strong technological capabilities and efficient industrial system, China has successfully transitioned from being a "student" to a leader.

On May 23, President Trump signed an executive order encouraging the use of nuclear energy in civilian areas. Trump plans to quadruple America's nuclear energy production within the next 25 years, increasing it from the current 100 gigawatts (GW) to 400 GW by 2050.

However, an article published by French weekly magazine Le Point recently noted that although the U.S. and Europe are striving to revitalize their industries, they face serious challenges in policy continuity and industrial foundations. In contrast, China has already taken the lead in terms of technology, cost, and construction speed. Although Western countries once contributed to China's nuclear energy development through technology transfer, a former engineer from Électricité de France lamented: "We taught them (China), but they surpassed us."

On May 23, Trump signed a nuclear energy executive order at the White House / IC Photo

Reuters also mentioned that according to sources, over the past two weeks, the Trump administration has implemented several new export restrictions on China. In addition to nuclear equipment, the U.S. has also restricted the sale of hydraulic oil equipment, electronic design automation software, and ethane to China.

Recently, an American energy company stated that its emergency application to ship three batches totaling approximately 2.2 million barrels of ethane to China has not yet been approved, and the license application for exporting butane to China on May 23 was also revoked.

Last month, a U.S. media reported that the U.S. had suspended some licenses allowing American companies to sell products and technologies to Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC). It was revealed that this move by the Trump administration was a response to China's restrictions on critical mineral exports.

At that time, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian responded, stating that China's export control measures are consistent with international practices, non-discriminatory, and not targeted at any specific country. We are willing to strengthen dialogue and cooperation in the field of export controls with relevant countries and regions, committed to maintaining the stability of global production and supply chains.

Lin Jian pointed out that the relevant actions by the U.S. side are generalizing the concept of national security, politicizing and tooling economic and technological issues, and maliciously blocking and suppressing China. We firmly oppose this and will resolutely safeguard our legitimate rights and interests.

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Original text: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7513073622089499148/

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