Illustration of Chinese and American flags on CPU.
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The Biden administration is rolling out new export controls on key technologies including quantum computing and semiconductor products as China advances in the global chip industry.
The U.S. Department of Commerce released on Friday rule Covering quantum computers and components; advanced chip manufacturing tools; some components and software related to metals and metal alloys; and high-bandwidth chips, which are key components for artificial intelligence applications.
The department cited “national security and foreign policy reasons” for the move and said it was the product of extensive discussions with international partners.
The restrictions cover global exports but add exemptions for countries that have added similar controls, such as Japan and the Netherlands have done in the past. The department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) expects more countries to adopt similar measures.
“Today’s action ensures that our nation’s export controls keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies and are even more relevant as we work with our international partners,” Alan Estevez, deputy director of the agency, said in a statement. efficient. statement.
He added: “Adjusting our controls over quantum and other advanced technologies makes it more difficult for our adversaries to develop and deploy these technologies in a way that threatens our collective security.”
Officials will conduct a 60-day public comment period before issuing a final ruling.
Beyond semiconductors, both China and the United States seek to become leaders in quantum computing, which they see as a potentially transformative technology.
Although China is not explicitly named in the document, the controls are in line with a series of measures the Biden administration has taken to limit Beijing’s development in areas such as artificial intelligence and computing.
The Bank for International Settlements said it would also continue to strengthen relationships with allies to increase the effectiveness of export controls aimed at weakening the military capabilities of Russia and its “enablers” such as Belarus and Iran.
U.S. export control efforts hit roadblocks
As Washington ramps up restrictions and technical sanctions, Beijing has stepped up its drive for self-sufficiency, Set up billions of investments Strengthen key technologies in its chip manufacturing industry.
A recent analysis of Chinese semiconductor technology by TechanaLye, a Tokyo-based semiconductor research firm, found that the level of Chinese-made processor chips lags only three years behind industry leaders. British Semiconductor, according to Nikkei Asia.
As the United States continues to tighten controls, global industries have shown a certain degree of reluctance.
China is the world’s largest semiconductor market, and Chinese companies remain major customers for many of the world’s leading semiconductor companies, including U.S. companies
On Wednesday, the CEO of Dutch chip equipment giant ASML said the company was restricted from providing its Industry-leading advanced semiconductor equipment to China, It is said U.S.-led restrictions have become more “economically motivated” over time, he said, adding that he expected more pushback.
Dutch government says it will consider ASML’s economic interests decide whether to tighten Semiconductor export rules have been further improved.
At the same time, South Korean Trade Minister Cheong Inkyo It was reported this week that The United States should provide more incentives if it wants Seoul to comply with additional export restrictions on Chinese semiconductors.
Beijing has long maintained that chip restrictions by the United States and its allies are anti-competitive and harm the global semiconductor supply chain.
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