Chinese officials and experts have criticized the recent U.S. export control measures targeting the semiconductor sector, particularly following reports of new restrictions on semiconductor software sales to China.

He Yongqian, spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), stated that communication between the U.S. and Chinese economic and trade teams has continued since talks held in Geneva, emphasizing the need to address mutual concerns.

China has raised alarms regarding the U.S. government's actions, urging a cessation of what it terms discriminatory restrictions against Chinese enterprises.

He highlighted the importance of adhering to the agreements reached during high-level discussions in Geneva.

Reports indicate that the U.S. administration has instructed domestic companies providing semiconductor design software to halt sales to Chinese entities.

This latest effort is seen as a push to complicate China's advancements in semiconductor technology.

Chinese experts assert that these restrictions may inadvertently accelerate China’s pursuit of technological self-sufficiency.

Individuals familiar with the situation have stated that the U.S. Department of Commerce communicated directives to companies involved in electronic design automation, such as Cadence, Synopsys, and Siemens EDA, instructing them to cease technology provision to China.

The Bureau of Industry and Security, which oversees U.S. export controls, reportedly conveyed these instructions via official letters.

Chinese telecom expert Xiang Ligang described the restrictions as part of a broader effort by the U.S. to reinforce technology containment measures against China.

He criticized this approach as emblematic of U.S. unilateralism and technological dominance.

Xiang posited that the supply chain disruptions would drive Chinese companies to enhance their research and development capabilities, thus catalyzing greater independence in the semiconductor domain.

Gao Lingyun, a specialist at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, echoed concerns regarding the impacts of U.S. market interventions, arguing that politicizing economic relations undermines global trade norms and disrupts the stability of the international semiconductor supply chain.

Financial implications of these actions include a reported decline in shares of Synopsys and Cadence, with the former experiencing a 9.6% drop and the latter a 10.7% decline on the market.

In contrast, domestic Chinese EDA firms like Primarius Technologies Co and Semitronix Corporation have seen their stock prices rise significantly.

The export controls align with ongoing U.S. efforts to limit China's advancement in developing advanced semiconductor technologies.

This follows prior U.S. directives aimed at banning the global use of advanced chips, including those produced by Huawei.

Previously, MOFCOM condemned the U.S. approach as unilateral and protectionist, asserting that it harms global semiconductor supply chains.

Additionally, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has criticized U.S. claims that Huawei's Ascend chips breach export controls, arguing that such allegations represent an overreach of national security concepts and a misuse of export regulations.

The Ministry has demanded an end to what it regards as both protectionist measures and unwarranted restrictions against China's tech sector.

China has stated its commitment to defending its development rights and safeguarding the legitimate interests of its businesses against what it characterizes as egregious suppression by the U.S. government.