The United States is gearing up to implement stricter regulations on the export of AI chips to China, as tensions between the two nations continue to escalate. The upcoming measures, reported by Reuters, will involve preventing American chipmakers from selling certain semiconductors that bypass existing government restrictions. The changes are anticipated to be announced this week and are part of a broader effort to curb the transfer of advanced technology to China.
An anonymous U.S. official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, highlighted that the new rules would block the export of some AI chips that currently fall just under the set technical parameters. Additionally, companies will be required to report shipments of other AI chips. These steps are intended to strengthen the existing export controls and prevent companies from evading the regulations.
The move to tighten restrictions on AI chip exports to China comes at a time when the Biden administration is attempting to improve relations with the country. However, these measures may complicate these efforts, as tensions between the two nations have continued to simmer.
In an attempt to widen the scope of restricted chips, the U.S. is expected to introduce a new parameter known as “performance density.” The purpose of this parameter is to prevent companies from using certain AI chips in ways that could pose a national security risk. The government plans to eliminate specific parameters from the existing restrictions to prevent companies from circumventing the rules, thereby ensuring that evolving technologies remain under tight control.
Additionally, the U.S. will seek input on potential risks associated with accessing U.S. cloud computing services, both domestically and in allied countries. This move is part of a broader strategy to prevent Chinese companies from accessing American artificial intelligence chips through overseas subsidiaries, as highlighted in a recent Reuters report.
The Biden administration has reportedly informed Beijing of its plans to update the contentious rules, in an attempt to stabilize the strained relations between the two superpowers. As these regulations take shape, it remains to be seen how the evolving landscape of U.S.-China relations will be affected.
