US Imposes Sanctions to Curb China's AI Advancements
The United States has introduced new export restrictions targeting China's semiconductor industry, blocking US shipments to 140 companies, including key chip equipment maker Naura Technology Group.
The US tightens curbs on China's access to some AI and chip tools and blacklists 140 more entities to slow the country's technological ambitions https://t.co/rHmdFLfIq2 via @technology
— Jennifer Ablan (@jennablan) December 2, 2024
This marks the third major sweep on Chinese chipmaking since 2018, extending restrictions to companies like Piotech, ACM Research, and SiCarrier Technology.
The latest move aims to hinder China's development of AI technologies by limiting access to advanced memory chips and critical chipmaking tools, which could bolster China’s military capabilities and threaten US security.
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo described the action as "groundbreaking and sweeping," highlighting its potential to slow China's semiconductor advancements and military modernisation.
U.S. announced new controls to further impair the PRC's ability to produce advanced semiconductors for use in military applications, AI, + advanced computing. We added 136 PRC companies to the Entity List for developing advanced chips. U.S. tech will not fuel PLA modernization.
— Ambassador Nicholas Burns (@USAmbChina) December 3, 2024
US' Restrictions Targets Over a Hundred Organisations
US companies such as Lam Research, KLA, Applied Materials, and ASM International, along with over 20 semiconductor firms, two investment companies, and more than 100 chipmaking toolmakers, are set to be impacted by the new export restrictions.
Among those affected are Swaysure Technology, linked to Huawei and already under heavy US sanctions, and Shenzhen Pensun Technology.
US suppliers will now require special licenses to conduct business with firms added to the Entity List.
The US Just Made It Way Harder for China to Build Its Own AI Chips - “They're the strongest controls ever enacted by the US to degrade the PRC’s ability to make the most advanced chips that they’re using in their military modernization,” https://t.co/fKWxrSrrze
— Jay T (@Jay83214566) December 3, 2024
In response, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian criticised the restrictions, calling them a violation of global trade norms and disruptive to supply chains, while asserting China's commitment to protecting its companies.
Do these actions represent a necessary move to limit China's AI progress, or are they ultimately futile?