US further tightens China export bans as it seeks global blockade
The US has further ratcheted up pressure on the China chip sector with the expansion of export restrictions to memory chipmaker YMTC and more than 30 other firms.
The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) announced Thursday that it had added 36 Chinese firms to its entity list, ensuring they are subject to strict export licensing controls.
It said the expanded list was aimed at limiting “PRC’s efforts to obtain and leverage advanced technologies including artificial intelligence (AI) for its military modernization efforts and human rights violations.”
The inclusion of YMTC, China’s biggest memory chipmaker, will likely deliver a serious disruption to its business despite its attempts at stockpiling components.
But it is not a surprise. More than a year ago US congressional leaders expressed concern at the news that it was providing NAND memory chips for Huawei’s new Mate flagship phone, in breach of US sanction rules.
More recently, US officials warned Apple against using YMTC as a supplier of iPhone flash memory.
Other organizations added to the list include AI firm Cambricon, equipment maker Shanghai Micro Electronics, facial recognition company Tiandy – which is said to have supplied surveillance equipment to Xinjiang – and multiple defense contractors.
The expansion of the entity list follows the unveiling of sweeping export controls in October.
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