MOFCOM's spokesperson Gao Feng. Photo: Li Xuanmin/GT

China hopes the US could stop using national security concerns as an excuse for its export controls, so as to create a fair environment for companies of different countries to conduct normal trade and cooperation, China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said in response to US' latest move to restrict artificial intelligence (AI) software exports. 

"In a highly globalized era, [the US' move] to limit and disrupt normal global cooperation will not only hurt the interests of relevant firms, including those in the US, but also spark market concerns on US investment and its innovation environment," MOFCOM's spokesperson Gao Feng said at a press briefing on Thursday. Gao said that the measures will weigh on the stability of the global industrial chain.

The US enacted a rule on Monday requiring its businesses that export some geospatial imaging software to countries other than Canada to obtain a license. The new regulation is believed to be part of US bullying tactics to target its perceived rivals, including China, and curb their technology rise. 

Gao stressed that there is no such thing as national boundaries in the development of science, and progress in technology should benefit all global citizens. 

"While sticking to the road of independent innovation, China is committed to opening up further. China is willing to cooperate with all countries in the world to promote technological innovation and share the fruits. In this way, China, together with its partners, could jointly solve problems that hinder human development and benefit the world," Gao noted.