Tech war: Washington takes new steps to frustrate China, advance US chip-making
- US Commerce Department imposes restrictions on dozens more Chinese companies and institutions to impede their ability to obtain core US technologies
- ‘We are updating our policies today to make sure we’re addressing the challenges posed by the PRC,’ a department official says
Washington doubled down in its hi-tech rivalry with Beijing on Friday, as the US Commerce Department released an expansive battle plan to propel the US forward and hold China back in the manufacture of advanced semiconductors, the strategic building blocks underpinning everything from fighter jets and artificial intelligence weaponry to cars and toothbrushes.
The administration of US President Joe Biden said it would impose restrictions on 31 Chinese companies, research institutions and related groups effective October 21, aimed at impeding their ability to obtain core US technologies.
01:57
China condemns new US law aimed at boosting domestic semiconductor manufacturing
The move is the latest in a series of steps intended to halt shipments of chips and chip-making technology of potential use to China in its military build-up and bid to dominate key industries.
“We are appropriately doing everything in our power to protect our national security and prevent sensitive technologies with military applications from being acquired by the People’s Republic of China’s military, intelligence and security services,” said Alan Estevez, undersecretary of commerce for industry and security.
“We are updating our policies today to make sure we’re addressing the challenges posed by the PRC while we continue our outreach and coordination with allies and partners.”
The latest additions to the US “unverified” list are based on a US assessment that these Chinese entities’ use of Western technologies linked to AI and supercomputing has crossover potential from civilian to military use.