China’s Stance on US AI Chip Sales Approval: What You Need to Know About the H200 Export Deal

The topic?

The US approval of advanced AI chip exports to China—and the major strings attached.

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The Trump Administration’s H200 AI Chip Decision

Here’s what went down: President Donald Trump (Tang Na De Te Lang Pu 唐纳德·特朗普) announced that the United States government would greenlight the sale of H200 Artificial Intelligence (Ren Gong Zhi Neng 人工智能) chips to China.

Sounds straightforward, right?

Not quite.

The approval came with a significant caveat: a 25% tax on total sales revenue from these chip exports.

This isn’t just a random number—it represents a strategic approach to semiconductor trade policy that balances economic opportunity with national security concerns.

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Why This Matters for Tech and Investment

Let’s break down what’s actually happening here:

• The H200 chip is NVIDIA’s latest generation AI accelerator—critical infrastructure for large language models, data centers, and enterprise AI deployments
• China remains one of the world’s largest AI and tech markets, with massive demand for computational power
• A 25% tariff on chip sales fundamentally changes the economics of the deal for both US exporters and Chinese buyers
• This approval signals a potential shift in US-China semiconductor policy under the new administration

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China’s Official Response: A Consistent Position

When asked about the US chip export approval and the proposed tariffs, Mao Ning (毛宁) didn’t deviate from the script.

His statement was direct: “Regarding the issue of American chips exported to China as well as the issue of tariffs, the Chinese side has clearly stated its position on multiple occasions.”

Translation?

China isn’t breaking new ground here—this is a consistent diplomatic position that’s been reinforced repeatedly.

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What This Consistency Signals

When diplomats say they’ve “clearly stated their position on multiple occasions,” they’re essentially saying:

• China’s stance on tech trade and tariffs isn’t reactive—it’s part of a long-term strategy
• There likely isn’t a dramatic policy reversal coming in response to this specific H200 announcement
• The country is sticking to established negotiating positions rather than shifting tactics based on individual US decisions
• This reflects deeper tensions around semiconductor access, technology sovereignty, and trade relations

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The Bigger Picture: US-China Semiconductor Policy

This H200 export approval doesn’t exist in a vacuum.

It’s part of a larger geopolitical game involving:

• US export controls on advanced semiconductors (implemented under Biden, continued under Trump)
• China’s self-sufficiency goals in chip manufacturing through initiatives like Made in China 2025
• Economic leverage through tariffs and strategic approvals
• Corporate interests from companies like NVIDIA wanting access to the Chinese market
• National security considerations on both sides regarding AI capabilities and military applications

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Why This Matters to Investors and Founders

If you’re tracking Chinese tech investments or US-China trade dynamics, this development carries real implications:

• Supply chain uncertainty remains elevated—approvals can come and go with political winds
• Pricing dynamics shift when tariffs enter the equation (that 25% tax gets passed along somewhere)
• Alternative chip development becomes more attractive to Chinese companies hedging against export restrictions
• Strategic partnerships between US and Chinese tech firms face ongoing scrutiny
• Market opportunities exist for companies building semiconductor alternatives or supply chain solutions

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The Bottom Line on AI chip exports and US-China trade

China’s refusal to break from its established position on chip exports and tariffs suggests this is a long game, not a one-off negotiation.

The H200 approval with a 25% tariff is interesting—it’s neither a full lockdown nor an open door.

It’s strategic ambiguity wrapped in economic policy.

For founders, investors, and tech professionals, the key takeaway is simple: expect continued volatility in US-China semiconductor trade, but also understand that both sides are working within established frameworks rather than improvising policy on the fly.

The real story of AI chip exports isn’t about individual approvals—it’s about how two superpowers are recalibrating their relationship with technology, talent, and competitive advantage.

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References

• China Responds to US Approval of AI Chip Sales to China: Position Stated Multiple Times – The Paper (Pengpai Xinwen 澎湃新闻)
• Regular Press Conference Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China (Zhonghua Renmin Gongheguo Waijiaobu 中华人民共和国外交部)
• U.S.-China Tech Trade and Semiconductor Export Controls – Reuters