China starts probes targeting US semiconductor sector

Core Points - China has initiated two investigations into the US semiconductor sector, coinciding with upcoming trade talks between the two nations [1][3] - The Ministry of Commerce has launched an anti-dumping probe into certain American-made analog IC chips and an anti-discrimination investigation regarding US actions against the Chinese chip sector [2][3] Investigation Details - The anti-dumping investigation targets specific analog IC chips produced by companies like Texas Instruments Inc. and Analog Devices Inc. [2] - The anti-discrimination investigation is a response to the US adding 23 more China-based companies to its entity list, which imposes restrictions on businesses deemed contrary to US national security interests [3] Context of Tensions - The investigations follow a series of US trade measures against China, including 301 investigations and export control measures, which China claims are discriminatory and suppressive to its tech development [5] - Semiconductors have become a significant area of contention, with the US restricting China's access to advanced AI technologies [4] Upcoming Discussions - US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng are set to discuss various issues, including the status of TikTok, which has been valued at up to $500 billion by President Trump [6] - The discussions will also address efforts to combat money laundering [6] Duration of Investigations - The anti-dumping probe is expected to last about a year, with a possible six-month extension, while the anti-bias probe typically takes around three months [7]