Just before the start of the fourth round of trade negotiations being held in Madrid, the Chinese government has launched two investigations into the US semiconductor industry. This move escalates the technological conflict between the two powers, who are seeking an agreement in the Spanish capital to halt the escalation of tariffs and sanctions. The US delegation, led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and the Chinese delegation, led by Vice Premier He Lifeng, will discuss crucial issues such as tariff disputes, the future of TikTok, and technology export restrictions.
China's Ministry of Commerce has launched a strategic offensive on the eve of the trade summit with the United States. On the one hand, it has begun a antidumping investigation on certain analog integrated circuits from the US market, affecting industry giants such as Texas Instruments y ON SemiconductorThe decision is based on official data that reveal a 37% increase in imports of these components between 2022 and 2024, accompanied by a a 52% drop in prices, which has put severe pressure on local manufacturers.
In parallel, Beijing has launched a second investigation described as "anti-discrimination"This action is a direct response to Washington's policies, which limit China's access to advanced technologies, especially in the field of artificial intelligence and next-generation chips. A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce has been blunt on this matter, stating that US measures, such as export restrictions and tariffs, "They constitute the containment and suppression of the development of China's high-tech industries.".
This escalation comes just one day after the United States added 23 new Chinese companies to its "entity list," tightening trade restrictions. The China Chamber of Commerce of Machinery and Electronic Products regrets these actions. "They harm the legitimate rights of Chinese companies and disrupt the global supply chain.".
Madrid, a key stage for de-escalation
In this atmosphere of extreme tension, Madrid is hosting the fourth round of bilateral negotiations at the Santa Cruz Palace from this Sunday until Wednesday. The meeting's agenda is packed and covers the most contentious points in the economic relationship between the world's two largest economies.
One of the primary objectives is the renegotiation of tariffs that tax trade valued at hundreds of billions of dollars. In addition, a solution will be sought for the future of TikTok in the United States, whose operating license expires this week.
For his part, the US Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, has highlighted the importance of balancing the bilateral relationship. "We need to reduce risk in strategic industries like semiconductors.", he said in relation to previous rounds, adding that in Madrid they will be discussed "national security, economic, and trade issues, including the future of TikTok and cooperation in the fight against money laundering".
Both delegations hope that the talks in Madrid will also serve to prepare for a future summit between the presidents. Donald Trump y Xi Jinping within the framework of the APEC forum, scheduled for late October in South Korea.
The choice of Spain as the host country, following previous meetings in Geneva, London, and Stockholm, has been positively assessed by the Spanish government, which has highlighted the country's diplomatic profile. "The Government of Spain thanks both countries for their trust in choosing Madrid for this bilateral meeting and reiterates its full involvement and collaboration in its organization. Our foreign policy is committed to diplomacy and negotiation to achieve understanding between nations.", said an institutional source.
The Chinese anti-dumping investigation is expected to conclude in September 2026, although the outcome of the summit in Madrid will be decisive in avoiding a further escalation in the situation. commercial war.
