Q: On July 23, ET, the U.S. Department of War released the update to its “list of foreign institutions engaging in problematic activities” (the NDAA Section 1286 List), imposing sanctions on certain Chinese research institutions. What is MOFCOM’s comment?

A: We have noted this development. China strongly deplores and firmly opposes this.

The U.S. side has kept overstretching the concept of national security, artificially erecting discriminatory barriers, and politicizing, weaponizing, and instrumentalizing scientific research cooperation, which undermines exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and U.S. scientific research communities and runs counter to the global trend of cooperation in science, technology, and innovation.

China urges the U.S. to stop making groundless vilification against Chinese research institutions, correct its erroneous practices as soon as possible, and provide fair, just, and non-discriminatory treatment to Chinese research institutions. China will take necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese research institutions and ensure normal exchanges and cooperation in science and technology. (Released on July 29)