China Condemns US Sanctions on Its Research Institute

ILLUSTRATION PHOTO/UNSPLASH/HC Optical

China expressed dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the US Department of Defense's decision to include several Chinese research institutions on the sanctions list.

China said it would take necessary measures to protect its legitimate rights and interests.

"China will take necessary measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese research institutions and ensure a healthy environment for normal scientific and technological exchanges and cooperation," a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce said, according to a report by the Xinhua News Agency.

The spokesperson said the US constantly exceeded the concept of national security, built discriminatory barriers, and politicized, armed, and exploited scientific research cooperation.

"These US measures undermine exchanges and cooperation between the scientific communities of the two countries and are contrary to the global trend of international collaboration in scientific and technological innovation," they said.

China urged the US to stop making groundless accusations against Chinese research institutions, correct its wrong practices "as soon as possible" and ensure that Chinese research organizations receive "fair, equal and non-discriminatory treatment."

Last week, the US Department of Defense updated a list of foreign institutions engaged in "problematic activities" to include a Chinese defense-related academy as well as other universities such as Fudan University in Shanghai.