The United States has launched its third crackdown on China’s semiconductor industry in three years, imposing export restrictions on 140 companies, including chip equipment maker Naura Technology Group. The measures are aimed at hindering Beijing’s chipmaking ambitions and preventing China from advancing its domestic semiconductor manufacturing system to support military modernization. The restrictions target exports of advanced memory chips, chipmaking tools, and equipment made in countries like Singapore and Malaysia, affecting companies like Piotech, ACM Research, SiCarrier Technology, Lam Research, KLA, and Applied Materials.
Additionally, the package includes curbs on China-bound shipments of high-bandwidth memory chips and software tools critical for applications like AI training. Chinese companies such as Swaysure Technology, Si’En Qingdao, and Shenzhen Pensun involved with Huawei Technologies will also face new restrictions. The move comes as part of the Biden administration’s efforts to stymie China’s access to advanced chips and equipment that could threaten U.S. national security.
China has criticized the U.S. restrictions as economic coercion and non-market practices, stating that it will take measures to safeguard its firms’ rights and interests. China has been working to become self-sufficient in the semiconductor sector in recent years, but remains behind industry leaders in AI chips and chip equipment. The U.S. is also set to place additional restrictions on Semiconductor Manufacturing International Co. and three companies making investments in chips. The latest rules expand U.S. powers to curb exports of chipmaking equipment by U.S., Japanese, and Dutch manufacturers made in other parts of the world to certain chip plants in China.
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