US Launches Third Crackdown on China's Chip Industry, Restricts AI Chip Exports to 140 Firms

Dec 2, 2024, 04:05 PM

The United States has announced its third crackdown in three years on China's semiconductor industry, unveiling new export restrictions aimed at hindering Beijing's technological ambitions, particularly in AI and military applications. The measures include restricting exports to 140 Chinese companies, such as chip equipment maker Naura Technology Group, and adding them to the Entity List. The new rules, which take effect on Monday, tighten controls on China's access to advanced chips, including high-bandwidth memory (HBM) used in AI, chipmaking equipment, and software tools. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo called the rules "groundbreaking and sweeping." Dutch company ASML indicated that the restrictions could affect its business in China. China has condemned the US actions, accusing them of violating market principles and engaging in economic coercion, and has vowed to take necessary measures to protect its companies.