ISTANBUL

China’s export control on chemical materials gallium and germanium to ensure they are used “legitimately” is not targeting any specific country, the country's Foreign Ministry said Wednesday.

In response to claims that China is imposing restrictions on these two materials to "harm" the US defense industry, spokesman Wang Wenbin said Beijing is "not targeting any country."

“In order to safeguard national security and interests, with the approval of the State Council, it is decided to implement export controls on items related to gallium and germanium,” Wenbin told reporters in Beijing, according to the Chinese daily Global Times.

China has announced that it will impose export controls on gallium and germanium, essential chemical materials used in semiconductors and electronic components, starting on August 1.

China is a major producer of gallium and germanium, and the decision comes amidst increased pressure from the US and its allies on China's technological development, particularly in the semiconductor industry.

China is the world’s largest producer of the two elements, with more than 95% of the global gallium output and 67% of germanium production.