China firmly opposes and is strongly dissatisfied with the U.S. launch of a Section 301 investigation into China's policies regarding the semiconductor industry, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said on Monday.

The U.S. Section 301 investigation is clearly unilateral and protectionist, the ministry stated.

The investigation will disrupt and distort global semiconductor industrial and supply chains, harming the interests of U.S. businesses and consumers, the ministry added.

The U.S. has provided substantial subsidies to its own chip industry through legislation such as the CHIPS and Science Act. Notably, U.S. semiconductor companies account for approximately 50 percent of the global market.

In contrast, Chinese-made chips constitute just 1.3 percent of the U.S. market share, with Chinese chip exports to the United States significantly lower than imports from the United States, the ministry said, citing a recent report from the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The ministry called on the United States to respect facts and multilateral rules and to immediately cease its erroneous practices. It emphasized that China will monitor the progress of the investigation closely and take all necessary measures to defend its rights and interests resolutely.

(With input from Xinhua)