On December 3, China's Ministry of Commerce ordered a ban on exports to the United States of important materials for semiconductor production such as gallium, antimony, germanium and supersolid materials with potential military applications.

The decision was made for national security reasons and will take effect immediately, Reuters reported. Exports of graphite, another critical material, will also be subject to stricter end-use and user assessments.

China's Ministry of Commerce warned that any individual or organization in any country that violates the relevant ban will be held legally responsible.

The day before, the US imposed export restrictions on 140 Chinese companies, including chipmakers Piotech and SiCarrier. The regulation also affects chip-making equipment maker Naura Technology. The US move is aimed at preventing the export of advanced chips that can be used in weapons systems and artificial intelligence, according to AFP.

China called the US action an abuse of export control measures, hindering normal trade and economic exchanges.

In a statement on December 3, China accused the US of politicizing and weaponizing economic, trade and technological issues.

China accounts for 94% of global gallium production, used in circuit boards, LEDs and photovoltaic panels. It also accounts for 83% of germanium, which is used primarily in fiber optics and infrared technology, and solar panels. Antimony is used in bullets, infrared missiles, nuclear weapons, night vision goggles, batteries and photovoltaic devices.