Illustration of the Chinese and US flags on a central processing unit.
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The Biden administration is imposing new export controls on critical technologies, including quantum computing and semiconductor products, as China makes inroads in the global semiconductor industry.
The Commerce Department announced this on Friday rule It covers quantum computers and their components, advanced chip manufacturing tools, some components and software related to metals and metal alloys, and high-bandwidth chips, which are essential components for AI applications.
The State Department cited “national security and foreign policy reasons” for the move and said it came after extensive consultations with international partners.
The restrictions apply to global exports, but include exceptions for countries that impose similar restrictions, as Japan and the Netherlands have done in the past, and the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) expects more countries to do the same.
“Today’s actions will ensure our export controls are more effective in keeping up with rapidly evolving technologies and working with our international partners,” said Under Secretary Alan Estevez. statement.
“Aligning our controls over quantum and other advanced technologies will make it significantly more difficult for adversaries to develop and deploy these technologies in a way that threatens our collective security,” he added.
The agency will allow a 60-day public comment period before issuing a final ruling.
Along with semiconductors, China and the United States are also seeking to become leaders in quantum computing, a technology seen as potentially transformative.
While the document does not specifically name China, the restrictions are in line with a series of steps the Biden administration has taken to restrict Beijing’s development in areas such as AI and computing.
BIS also said it continues to strengthen relationships with allies to improve the effectiveness of export controls aimed at weakening the military power of Russia and its “backers,” including Belarus and Iran.
U.S. export control efforts face impasse
Beijing has stepped up its push for self-sufficiency amid growing restrictions and technology sanctions from Washington. Setting up billion-dollar investments Invest in critical technologies to strengthen the semiconductor manufacturing industry.
A recent analysis of Chinese semiconductor technology by Tokyo-based semiconductor research firm TechanaLye found that Chinese-made processor chips are approaching levels just three years behind industry leaders. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd., According to Nikkei Asia.
As the US continues to tighten regulations, the global industry is putting up some resistance.
China is the world’s largest semiconductor market, and Chinese companies remain major customers for many of the world’s leading semiconductor companies, including those in the United States.
On Wednesday, the chief executive of Dutch semiconductor equipment maker ASML said: Industry-leading advanced semiconductor equipment To China, Reportedly He added that the U.S.-led restrictions were becoming more “economically motivated” over time and further backlash was expected.
The Dutch government has said it will take into account ASML’s economic interests. Decide whether to tighten Further strengthening of semiconductor export controls.
Meanwhile, South Korean Trade Minister Chung In-kyo It was reported this week The United States should offer further incentives to South Korea if it wants to comply with additional export controls on Chinese semiconductors.
China has long argued that semiconductor restrictions by the United States and its allies are anti-competitive and harm the global semiconductor supply chain.
