Beijing (AFP)

Chinese authorities reiterated on Sunday that they will take "necessary action" to defend Huawei and other Chinese companies after the US decision to block telecommunications giant's access to US semiconductor technology .

The US Department of Commerce announced Friday a series of measures to curb the ability of the Chinese group to develop semiconductors abroad using American technology.

The Trump administration sees Huawei as a threat to national security, serving the Chinese authorities. After being relegated to the background by the coronavirus crisis, the trade conflict between the two largest economic powers in the world started again, amid deteriorating relations.

"China will take the necessary measures to firmly defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises," the Commerce Ministry said in a statement on Sunday.

"China urges the United States to immediately stop its evil deeds," the ministry added, viewing the restrictions as a "serious threat to global supply chains".

The threat of retaliation comes in the wake of statements from the Chinese foreign ministry calling on "the US side to immediately end its unreasonable crackdown on Huawei and Chinese companies."

US officials have repeatedly accused the Chinese tech giant of stealing American trade secrets and supporting China's spy efforts.

After being relegated to the background by the coronavirus crisis, the trade conflict between the two largest economic powers in the world seems to have started again, amid deteriorating relations due to the Covid-19 pandemic including US President Donald Trump blames Beijing.

The US Department of Commerce said on Friday that controls "would narrowly and strategically target Huawei's acquisition of semiconductors that are the direct product of certain American software and technology."

The new restrictions will cut Huawei's access to one of its major suppliers, Taiwanese chip maker TSMC, which also manufactures chips for Apple and other tech companies.

Huawei was not immediately available to respond.

© 2020 AFP