The United States has imposed new export curbs on quantum computers and semiconductor manufacturing equipment, increasing limitations on sophisticated technology exports to China. The effort, coordinated with international partners, seeks to deny Beijing access to cutting-edge technologies as tensions between the two global giants rise.
On Thursday, the US Department of Commerce imposed new export restrictions, focussing on quantum computing and semiconductor manufacturing equipment. These measures were established following consultations with international partners, reflecting rising concern about China's use of advanced technology in ways that could jeopardise global security. Alan Estevez, Under Secretary for the Bureau of Industry and Security, pointed out the significance of aligning national controls with those of ‘like-minded countries’ to keep up with quickly emerging technologies.
The Biden administration has pushed its partners to impose similar limitations as part of a larger campaign to limit China's access to crucial semiconductor technologies. "Today's action ensures that our national export controls keep up with rapidly evolving technologies and are more effective when we work with international partners," Estevez said, while talking about the collaborative effort to counter possible security concerns posed by adversaries.
This latest action comes amid a heated strategic rivalry between the United States and China, with Washington increasingly focussing on stifling China's tech economy by limiting access to advanced semiconductors and related equipment. The United States' export curbs follow a similar tightening of restrictions by the Netherlands and Japan, both of which have targeted semiconductor production apparatus.
The Dutch government, led by Foreign Trade Minister Reinette Klever, imposed fresh restrictions on Friday, citing security concerns over the sale of chip-making equipment. Klever emphasised that technological developments in the field have created new concerns, especially in the current geopolitical climate.
Meanwhile, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has criticised the United States' moves, accusing it of disrupting global supply chains and violating market principles. "This does not align with the interests of any side," Mao Ning, a ministry spokesperson, stated at a recent press briefing.
The United States and its allies have strengthened limits on high-tech exports to China, particularly advanced semiconductor technologies. Japan and the Netherlands have joined the United States in prohibiting the sale of essential chip-making machinery to Chinese companies, undermining China's goals in the technology industry.
China's reaction to these tariffs has been immediate, with the country accusing the United States of increasing global trade tensions and threatening international supply chains. As Washington and Beijing's geopolitical rivalry deepens, the impact of these export limits on the global tech scene remains to be seen.
