Software is the next battleground in the US-China tech war

[DragonSlayer101]

The big picture: The Trump administration is reportedly considering new restrictions on the export of products containing American software to China. A final decision has not yet been made, but Beijing has already vowed to retaliate if the plan is implemented, further escalating the ongoing trade war between the two nations.

The proposed curbs would apply to a wide range of consumer and industrial products, from laptops to jet engines powered by software from American companies. The news comes ahead of a critical round of trade negotiations between the two countries in Malaysia later this week.

The report was confirmed by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during a White House briefing on Wednesday. When asked whether the administration is considering export restrictions on US software-powered products to China, Bessent said all options are "on the table," adding that any decision would be made "in coordination with our G-7 allies."

The White House and the Commerce Department did not comment on the report, but a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy said Beijing opposes the imposition of "unilateral long-arm jurisdiction measures" by the US and will take "resolute measures to protect its legitimate rights and interests" if Washington implements the proposed restrictions.

Bessent's statement comes amid escalating economic tensions between the US and China. The two countries are scheduled to hold a fresh round of trade talks on Friday, with Bessent set to meet Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Malaysia. Depending on the outcome, President Trump could hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea later this month.

Trump first proposed the additional export controls earlier this month, stating that he was considering tighter restrictions on US software-powered products sent to China. He also threatened Beijing with additional 100 percent import tariffs from November 1, "over and above any tariff that they are currently paying."

The proposed measures are widely believed to be in response to China's recent curbs on exports of critical rare earth minerals. China produces about 70 percent of the global supply of these minerals, which are used in a wide range of high-tech products, including smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles, wind turbines, fighter jets, and submarines.

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Software is the next battleground in the US-China tech war

 

[Megalomaniac]

"The proposed curbs would apply to a wide range of consumer and industrial products, from laptops to jet engines powered by software from American companies. "

I used to live in Shanghai, China. Chinese bootlegging of software, I doubt is of surprise to anyone at this point. All these trade restrictions will do is drive China to produce more of their own stuff and buy from our companies competitors.

Why buy Boeing when you can buy Airbus? (Airbus is 100x better anyway).

Trump has weaponized US trade and the US dollar against China and Russia and they aren't going to bow down to us. They are focusing on Gold-backed currencies to de-dollarize. In the end, it's only going to hurt Americans. China can trade with all of Southeast Asia, Asia, South America and Africa as well as Europe.

 

[Kirby1]

Taking the economy full speed into the toilet.

 

[RudyBob]

Trump has weaponized US trade and the US dollar against China and Russia and they aren't going to bow down to us.


They are focusing on Gold-backed currencies to de-dollarize. In the end, it's only going to hurt Americans. China can trade with all of Southeast Asia, Asia, South America and Africa as well as Europe.

And we should bow down to them? They may not bow but those countries cannot compete.

They can trade with those countries but their consumption is a pittance of what the GREAT USA consumes. They need us more than we need them.

 

[RudyBob]

Taking the economy full speed into the toilet.

No.

 

[Str8Shot]

Perhaps an unpopular opinion, but I don’t think we should be picking a fight with every nearly country, just to make them buy our crap…meanwhile, our currency is crashing, $38 Trillion in debt, and a self-serving, dysfunctional and corrupt government (perhaps by design).

Besides picking fights with Russia, China, parts of EU, now we’re on Venezuela and Columbia and it hasn’t even been 1 year into the admin. We’re the laughing stock of the world.

 

[GodisanAtheist]

And we should bow down to them? They may not bow but those countries cannot compete.

They can trade with those countries but their consumption is a pittance of what the GREAT USA consumes. They need us more than we need them.

-No.

 

[VitalyT]

That face alone triggers convulsion for ejecting feces at.

 

[redgarl]

Well, the CCP wanted to make restriction on use of rare earths to prevent other countries for making batteries... FAFO I guess.

 

[redgarl]

And we should bow down to them? They may not bow but those countries cannot compete.

They can trade with those countries but their consumption is a pittance of what the GREAT USA consumes. They need us more than we need them.

China exports to the USA is only 16% of their total exportations. Europe is about the same.

The GREAT USA is not having enough leverage alone.

 

[Burty117]

They need us more than we need them.

I think America is unforunately learning the hard way, this isn't really true.
But as as outsider, it's been great television.

 

[netman]

"Trump considers curbs on US software exports, China has vowed to retaliate"

Nothing US can do that could weaken China... Absolutely Nothing...!

 

[New Day]

I think America is unforunately learning the hard way, this isn't really true.
But as as outsider, it's been great television.

Yes, I have adopted this mode with humanity, though arguably I have an inherent inclination to get angry with my....Children....anyways.

"Trump considers curbs on US software exports, China has vowed to retaliate"

Nothing US can do that could weaken China... Absolutely Nothing...!

But if they's all in cahoots in some fashion, they have colludingly intended all that has happened. Perhaps under the....auspice.....of Tiamat.

 

[Megalomaniac]

I think America is unforunately learning the hard way, this isn't really true.
But as as outsider, it's been great television.

Always remember, the average American doesn't leave the hemisphere. They have NO IDEA what the competition looks like. Fox News tells them and they think they know. They are trading on bad info.

 

[captaincranky]

And we should bow down to them? They may not bow but those countries cannot compete.

Reality check Rudy, China most certainly can. And they can shut their legs on necessary rare earth materials, (which they already have). Take a walk around your house, turn everything upside down, and read the country of origin.

When you get finished with that, go pick some fruit. Show us how we don't need those deplorable illegals.

This month's jobs report is so bad, the trumptard doesn't want it published.

But shur as shootin' them 'Merican manufacturing jobs is a comin' back. At least if you feel like workin' in a slaughter house.

 

[Burty117]

Just a quick update, Trump backed down, because of course he did…