BANGKOK — On Tuesday, China declared that it will impose a ban on exports of critical high-tech materials, including gallium, germanium, and antimony, to the United States. This announcement comes in response to the recent expansion of export controls by Washington concerning Chinese firms involved in the production of computer chip-making technology, software, and high-bandwidth memory chips, all of which are essential for advanced technological applications.

Previously, Beijing mandated that exporters must obtain licenses to ship these strategically significant materials, such as gallium, to the U.S. The move signifies China’s growing effort to regulate the flow of essential resources that could be utilized for military purposes.

The U.S. has recently added 140 firms to its “entity list,” which closely monitors foreign companies engaged in activities that can threaten American national security. The majority of these newly listed companies are situated in China, although there are also some that are Chinese-owned and based in countries like Japan, South Korea, and Singapore.

In response to the U.S. actions, China’s Commerce Ministry expressed its discontent and emphasized its determination to safeguard China’s “rights and interests.” This development underscores the ongoing tensions between the two nations regarding technology and trade, particularly in sectors deemed critical for national security.