U.S. Secretary of Commerce: The United States does not seek to decouple its economy from China, and the new semiconductor export regulations reflect strategic considerations

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo delivered a lengthy speech a few days ago, laying out the official perception on U.S. competitiveness and the challenges posed by China.

Raimondo said that as China's economy grows in size and influence, its continued use of non-market trade and investment practices requires the United States to rethink how to protect its national security interests while promoting its interests in trade and investment.

To ensure U.S. economic leadership, Raimondo proposed four priorities:

First, make transformational investments in American innovation.

Second, strengthen domestic capabilities and create new industrial capabilities.

Third, work with allies in new ways to advance shared values ​​and shape China's strategic environment.

Fourth, advocate for U.S. trade and investment and the benefits it brings, and work with China to address transnational issues such as climate change and global macroeconomic stability.

Raimondo emphasized that semiconductors are fundamental in this technology competition and are the core of the new US investment strategy, driving innovation in almost all emerging technologies and supporting critical national security applications. The Chip Act marks the beginning of a new chapter in American innovation. The Department of Commerce will invest $52 billion in domestic semiconductor manufacturing over the next few years, including workforce training and research and development, to create a vibrant domestic industry.

Raimondo also pointed out that the rise of China today poses a series of increasingly severe challenges to the national security of the United States and is seeking to dominate certain advanced technology fields. She highlighted computing-related technologies, including microelectronics, quantum information systems and artificial intelligence, as well as biotechnology and clean energy technologies, and said it will continue to take action to maintain the largest possible lead in these foundational technologies.

Regarding the new export control policy launched by the Ministry of Commerce in October, Raimondo claimed in no uncertain terms that this move is precisely to protect the core technology of the United States through strategically and continuously updating export control policies and investment screening frameworks. She emphasized that for a long time, the U.S. export control strategy has been reactive—focused on preventing China from expanding its technological capabilities after acquiring U.S. intellectual property—but these new rules are strategic, targeted, and designed to protect US national security.

However, Raimondo also stated that she does not seek to decouple the US economy from China's economy, and hopes to promote trade and investment in areas that do not threaten core economic and national security interests or values. , no one can outcompete the United States."