Beijing blasts US ban on device testing in China, warns of supply chain disruptions

China's Ministry of Commerce fiercely objected to the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) decision to prohibit device testing in China starting in 2028. The ministry asserted that this move "has seriously harmed the interests of China and other trading partners, seriously undermined the stability of China-US economic and trade relations, and seriously disrupted the stability of global industrial and supply chains."

In a statement released on Friday, the ministry urged the United States to heed industry calls, respect market rules, and meet China halfway by immediately rescinding the measures. Beijing expressed strong dissatisfaction and warned that it would take necessary actions to protect its interests, but reiterated that it remains open to consultations to resolve the issues.

The FCC announced on Thursday that it would ban all Chinese laboratories from testing electronic devices destined for the US market, allowing only those based in the US or reciprocal economies. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr claimed that this regulation aligns with President Donald Trump's broader strategy to restore balance and fairness in America's engagements with foreign nations.

The FCC cited concerns that Chinese facilities could exploit their "privileged position" to allow insecure products into the US, disrupt communications networks, or even steal intellectual property. According to the FCC, Chinese facilities certify over 80% of US-bound electronics. Responding to the FCC's decision, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce accused the American agency of using administrative means to interfere with market choices, raising enterprises' testing costs, and prolonging product delivery and iteration cycles.

The ministry emphasized that this decision violates the consensus reached between the leaders of the two countries. The FCC's move comes just weeks before a scheduled meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in Shenzhen next month.