China's commerce ministry vowed on Monday to take all necessary measures to safeguard its rights and interests in response to the United States' investigation into the Chinese semiconductor industry.
The investigation will disrupt global chip supply chains and harm the interests of US firms and consumers, the ministry statement said.
On Monday, the Biden administration announced a last-minute trade investigation into Chinese-made "legacy" semiconductors that could heap more US tariffs on chips from China that power everyday goods from autos to washing machines to telecoms gear, Reuters reported.
The "Section 301" probe, launched just four weeks before President-elect Donald Trump takes office on Jan. 20, will be handed over to his administration in January for completion, Biden administration officials said.
The effort could offer Trump a ready avenue to begin imposing some of the hefty, 60% tariffs that he has threatened on Chinese imports.
Departing President Joe Biden has already imposed a 50% US tariff on Chinese semiconductors that starts on Jan. 1. His administration has tightened export curbs on advanced AI and memory chips and chipmaking equipment to China and also recently increased tariffs to 50% on Chinese solar wafers and polysilicon.
