China urges US to stop smearing, suppressing Chinese companies

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce on Tuesday urged the United States to properly recognize the significant progress made by Chinese companies and stop smearing and suppressing them, calling on Washington to ensure a level playing field and safeguard broader China-US economic and trade cooperation.

Commenting on the US government's move on Monday to impose sanctions on five Chinese companies over alleged "trade secret theft" under the Protecting American Intellectual Property Act, a ministry spokesperson said China had noted the development.

The spokesperson pointed out that the US had hyped up the so-called allegations of "trade secret theft" to stigmatize and sanction Chinese companies, seriously harming their legitimate rights and interests.

"The move was egregious, and China firmly opposed it." The spokesperson said the rapid development of China's artificial intelligence companies resulted from years of fundamental research and sustained investment in innovation, reflecting China's commitment to independent technological innovation and open cooperation.

Such progress benefits China, the United States and the wider world and has nothing to do with the alleged "theft of trade secrets," the spokesperson stressed.

The spokesperson also urged the US to correct its erroneous practices as soon as possible, warning that China would take necessary measures in response and resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.