The US Department of Commerce has announced that it will examine the export of advanced computer chips to ensure they do not enter China outside of existing restrictions.
The new rules strengthen the necessary conditions for exporting the semiconductors, which should prevent China from obtaining chips for military activities and “circumventing our laws, thereby diminishing U.S. national security,” Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said.
Under the new rules, approvals for exporting chips will be required more often. The Commerce Department also added 16 companies to a list of companies to which exports of chips are restricted or prohibited, including in China and Singapore. The list previously contained 140 companies.
The Chinese government has repeatedly condemned the restrictions. In September, it responded by imposing restrictions on US materials and components needed to manufacture chips, such as gallium, germanium, and other metals that can be used in dual-use (civil and military) technology.