restriction

The retail chains warn that the restrictions could backfire.

In January, a sign displaying width restrictions for boats passing through a railway viaduct was installed after pictures of a £1m yacht looking stuck - while moving slowly - went viral online.

Human rights groups accuse them of systematic repression of peaceful critics with, according to the US state department's most recent assessment, "serious restrictions on freedom of expression" and an "environment of impunity."

Earlier rare-earth restrictions already hit automakers such as Ford, and the targeting of AI and semiconductors was a reminder that China is trying to curb American AI chip leader Nvidia.

Similarly, backing off trade restrictions on China would undermine the effort to threaten that country into submission.