As China progresses in the global chip sector, the Biden administration is implementing new export limits on crucial technologies such as quantum computing and semiconductors.
The guidelines, which the US Department of Commerce released on Friday, encompass quantum computers and components, sophisticated chipmaking equipment, certain metal and metal alloy components and software, and high-bandwidth chips, which are important components for AI applications.
The government highlighted national intelligence and foreign relations grounds for the change, claiming it was the result of lengthy negotiations with international partners. These limits apply to all exports globally, with exceptions for nations that impose comparable regulations, such as Japan and the Netherlands in the past.
Today’s move guarantees that our national export restrictions keep up with quickly evolving technology and are more successful when we work with foreign partners, according to agency undersecretary Alan Estevez.
Aligning with constraints on quantum and other technological advancements makes it far more difficult for adversaries to develop and implement these innovations in ways that harm collective security, he stated. Before making a final decision, officials will allow for a 60-day public comment period.
Though China is not directly mentioned in the documents, the limits are consistent with a number of steps taken by the Biden administration to impede Beijing’s advancements in fields such as artificial intelligence and computers.
BIS also stated that it is continuing to enhance partnerships with its allies in order to improve the efficiency of export controls targeted at reducing Russia’s military capabilities, as well as those of its “enablers” like as Belarus and Iran.
U.S. export control initiatives encounter obstacles
Amid growing limitations and tech penalties from Washington, Beijing has stepped up its self-sufficiency campaign, investing billions of dollars in crucial technology to improve its chip-making business.
As the United States moves to tighten restrictions, the worldwide sector has shown some resistance.
China is the worldwide largest semiconductor marketplace, and its firms remain important clients for many of the world’s major semiconductor business entities, including those in the United States.
On Wednesday, the CEO of Dutch chip equipment firm ASML, which is restricted from selling its industry-leading sophisticated semiconductor devices to China, allegedly indicated that the US-led restrictions have gotten more “economically motivated” in recent years and that he expects further opposition.
The Dutch government has stated that it will consider ASML’s economic interests when considering whether to tighten semiconductor export controls further.
Furthermore, South Korean Trade Minister Cheong Inkyo purportedly warned this week that the United States should give additional incentives if it wants Seoul to comply with new export curbs on Chinese semiconductors.