China has launched a trade dispute at the World Trade Organization (WTO) over the US’s sweeping chip curbs, alleging inappropriate competition on Monday. “China takes legal actions within the WTO framework as a necessary way to address our concerns and to defend our legitimate interests,” read a statement by China’s commerce ministry. The statement added that the US curbs had “threatened the stability of the global industrial supply chains.” China’s request for consultations is the first step in a long procedure, while “the United States has blocked appointments to the WTO’s top ruling body on trade disputes, meaning some rows never get settled,” according to Reuters. “As we have already communicated to the PRC, these targeted actions relate to national security, and the WTO is not the appropriate forum to discuss issues related to national security,” said Adam Hodge, spokesperson for US Trade Representative’s office. The US has issued a series of curbs on China’s semiconductor industry this year, while also urging Japan and Netherlands to implement similar measures. [Reuters]