China opposes US move on telecom certification, warns of trade disruptions

China on Friday expressed strong opposition to a proposed US regulatory move targeting foreign telecom certification bodies, warning it could disrupt global trade and supply chains, according to state-run media.

A spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce said the plan by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to revoke qualifications of testing and certification bodies from countries lacking “mutual recognition agreements” is discriminatory and lacks factual basis, Global Times reported.

"The FCC has abandoned technological neutrality and overstretched national security, frequently introducing restrictive measures without a factual basis and discriminatorily treating companies and products from other countries including China, which harms the interest of China and other trade partners," said the spokesperson.

Beijing warned that the proposed restrictions, including barring entities on a “Covered List” from operating telecom businesses in the US, could harm international trade partners as well as American industries and consumers.

China urged the United States to reverse what it called “wrong practices,” cautioning that it would take necessary steps to protect the legitimate rights and interests of its companies if the measures are implemented.

The latest statement came just a day after senior Chinese and US economic officials and trade negotiators called on Thursday for deeper cooperation and better management of trade tensions, as both sides seek to stabilize ties ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit to China in mid-May.

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng held a video call with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to discuss ways to advance economic and trade relations between China and the US.