Beijing, China - Oct 20, 2026 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
1. Screenshot of statement by Ministry of Commerce spokesperson

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2. Various of office building, sign of Ministry of Commerce, Chinese national flag

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3. Servers
4. Animation showing AI chip
5. Various of computing facilities, cables
6. Animations of AI technology, computing facilities
7. Various of humanoid robots operating in factory setting

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8. Various of smart devices for sale

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce on Tuesday urged the United States to recognize the significant progress made by Chinese companies and stop smearing and suppressing them, calling on Washington to ensure a level playing field and the safeguarding of broader China-US economic and trade cooperation.

Commenting on the U.S. government's move on Monday to impose sanctions on five Chinese companies over alleged "trade secret theft" under the Protecting American Intellectual Property Act, a ministry spokesperson said China had noted the development.

The spokesperson pointed out that the U.S. had hyped up so-called allegations of "trade secret theft" to stigmatize and sanction Chinese companies, seriously harming their legitimate rights and interests. "The move was egregious, and China firmly opposed it," the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said the rapid development of China's Artificial Intelligence (AI) companies resulted from years of research and sustained investment in innovation, reflecting China's commitment to independent technological innovation and open cooperation.

Such progress benefits China, the United States and the wider world and has nothing to do with the alleged "theft of trade secrets," the spokesperson stressed.

The spokesperson also urged the U.S. to correct its erroneous practices as soon as possible, warning that China would take necessary measures in response, while resolutely protecting the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.