US unveils fresh export curbs targeting China's chip sector

FILE - Employees work on the semiconductor chip production line at a factory in Huaian, Jiangsu province, China, March 25, 2022. (China Daily via Reuters)

The United States announced new export restrictions Monday taking aim at China's ability to make advanced semiconductors — used in weapon systems and artificial intelligence as competition intensifies between the world's two biggest economies. "The United States has taken significant steps to protect our technology from being used by our adversaries in ways that threaten our national security," said White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan in a statement. He added that Washington will keep working with allies and partners to "to proactively and aggressively safeguard our world-leading technologies and know-how." The latest rules include a restriction of exports to 140 companies, including Chinese chip firms Piotech and SiCarrier Technology. They also impact Naura Technology Group, which makes chip production equipment, according to the Commerce Department. "We are constantly talking to our allies and partners as well as reassessing and updating our controls," added Under Secretary of Commerce for industry and security Alan Estevez. The latest announcement also includes controls on two dozen types of chipmaking equipment and three kinds of software tools for developing or producing semiconductors.