US Representatives Call for Strengthening Export Controls on Advanced Semiconductors to China
Two senior Republican members of the United States House of Representatives have urged the Biden administration to enhance the enforcement of export controls on advanced semiconductors to China. In a letter addressed to National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, Representative Michael McCaul and Representative Mike Gallagher emphasized the need to revise existing regulations due to recent technological advancements by China’s leading semiconductor manufacturer.
The lawmakers specifically highlighted the unveiling of Huawei Technologies’ Mate 60 Pro smartphone, which incorporates advanced chips manufactured by China’s Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC), despite US sanctions. They criticized the current regulations for being inert, lacking insight into China’s industrial strategy and military objectives, and exhibiting a deficiency in technological comprehension.
Modernizing Regulations and Enforcing Compliance
In their letter, McCaul and Gallagher called upon the Biden administration to modernize the regulations and promptly respond to Huawei and SMIC. They also urged the administration to terminate Chinese firms’ access to powerful artificial intelligence chips obtained through cloud computing services. Additionally, they emphasized the importance of enforcing existing regulations that restrict Chinese enterprises, particularly those that hinder US officials from verifying compliance with export regulations.
Hot Take: US Lawmakers Demand Stronger Export Controls on Advanced Semiconductors
US Representatives McCaul and Gallagher have called for an overhaul of export controls on advanced semiconductors sent to China. They argue that recent technological advancements by China’s leading semiconductor manufacturer highlight deficiencies in existing regulations. The lawmakers specifically mentioned Huawei’s Mate 60 Pro smartphone, which contains chips manufactured by SMIC despite US sanctions. They criticized the current rules for lacking insight into China’s industrial strategy and military objectives. The representatives urged the Biden administration to modernize regulations, respond promptly to Huawei and SMIC, and restrict Chinese firms’ access to AI chips obtained through cloud computing. They also emphasized the importance of enforcing existing regulations to ensure compliance.