China and the US Clash Over Chips Before Big Meeting

China has started two big investigations into US chip policies. One looks at whether the US is treating Chinese companies unfairly. The other checks if the US is selling chips too cheaply in China. This happens just before high-level talks between the two countries in Spain. China says the US has been putting many restrictions on Chinese chip companies. They think this is to stop China from growing in tech areas like AI and advanced computing. China wants the US to stop these practices and is ready to protect its companies. A Chinese team led by Vice Premier He Lifeng will meet with US officials in Madrid from September 14-17. They will talk about trade issues like US tariffs, export controls, and TikTok. China questions why the US is putting sanctions on Chinese companies now. Recently, the US added 32 entities to its restricted trade list, including 23 in China. Two Chinese firms were accused of getting US chipmaking equipment for China's top chipmaker, SMIC. The US-China talks in Spain are the fourth big meeting this year. Both countries want to keep a trade truce that reduced tariffs and restored rare earth mineral flows. After meetings in Geneva, London, and Stockholm, they agreed to extend a tariff pause until November 10. TikTok will also be discussed in Spain. The US wants TikTok to be owned by Americans or it might be banned. The US worries TikTok's user data could go to the Chinese government. China says it respects data privacy and doesn't force companies to hand over foreign data. China warns that if the US keeps hurting Chinese companies, China will take steps to protect its interests and companies.