What's happened
On December 2, 2024, the US announced new export restrictions targeting Chinese chipmakers and suppliers. The measures aim to limit China's access to advanced semiconductor technology, particularly for military applications, as tensions between the two nations escalate. This marks a significant step in the ongoing tech rivalry.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to the South China Morning Post, the US Commerce Department's new measures target 24 types of chipmaking equipment and three categories of software, particularly focusing on high-bandwidth memory (HBM) crucial for AI systems. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo stated, 'We can’t allow US technology... to be used to fuel the military modernization of our adversaries.' In contrast, the Chinese foreign ministry condemned the restrictions as an abuse of export controls, claiming they disrupt international trade and harm global supply chains. This reflects a significant divide in perspectives on the implications of these restrictions, with the US emphasizing national security and China framing it as economic aggression.
How we got here
The US has progressively tightened export controls on technology to China, particularly in the semiconductor sector, citing national security concerns. This latest round of restrictions follows a series of similar measures initiated during the Trump administration and continued under President Biden.
Common question
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What are the new US chip export restrictions on China?
On December 2, 2024, the US government announced significant new export restrictions targeting Chinese chipmakers. These measures are part of the ongoing tech rivalry between the US and China, aiming to limit China's access to advanced semiconductor technology, especially for military applications. This page explores the details of these restrictions, their implications for the tech industry, and the broader context of US-China relations.
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