The US updates measures to prevent China from obtaining next-generation chips

He Department of Commerce updated and expanded its export controls on Tuesday to prevent China from acquiring chips of the latest generation and the equipment necessary to manufacture them.

A year ago, the first controls were approved to counter the use of semiconductors for military purposes, which include the development of hypersonic missiles and artificial intelligence.

“These export controls are intended to protect technologies that have clear implications for national security and human rights.“Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said in a telephone news conference. “The vast majority of semiconductors will remain unrestricted. But when we identify threats to national security or human rights, we act decisively and in concert with our allies.”.

The updates are the product of industry consultations and technological analysis. There will be a gray area that will be monitored, since some chips may have military use even if they do not meet the requirements to fall under trade restrictions.

Restrictions on chip exports may be extended to companies based in Macau or anywhere subject to a US arms embargo, in order to prevent them from circumventing controls and selling semiconductors to China.

The updates also include new requirements to make it more difficult for China to manufacture cutting-edge chips abroad. The list of manufacturing equipment under control has been expanded, among other changes.

The export controls have infuriated the Chinese government, for which the design and manufacturing of cutting-edge semiconductors is essential for its economic and geopolitical purposes. Raimondo has said the restrictions are not intended to harm Chinese economic growth.

Chinese government officials plan to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco in November. President Joe Biden has hinted that he would meet with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, although the meeting has not been confirmed.