New US export controls target Chinese firms linked to AI, quantum computing, and supercomputers.
The United States has added six subsidiaries of China’s leading cloud computing firm, Inspur Group, along with dozens of other Chinese entities, to its export restriction list.
Washington accuses the companies of aiding China’s military by developing supercomputers and advanced AI technologies. The move is part of a broader strategy to curb China’s progress in high-performance computing, quantum technology, and hypersonic weapons development.
Other companies from Taiwan, Iran, Pakistan, South Africa, and the UAE were also included in the latest restrictions. China has strongly condemned the US decision, calling it an attempt to ‘weaponise trade and technology.’
The Chinese foreign ministry has vowed to take necessary measures to protect its firms, while the Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence, which was also targeted, called for the restrictions to be withdrawn.
Companies added to the US Entity List require special licences to access American technology, which are unlikely to be granted. The restrictions could impact major Chinese tech firms linked to AI and computing, such as Huawei and Sugon.
The United States Commerce Department argues that these measures are necessary to prevent China and other countries from using American technology for military applications. Officials insist they will not allow adversaries to strengthen their military capabilities with US-made components.
The latest crackdown follows a 2023 decision to blacklist Inspur Group, which led to scrutiny of its business ties with major US chipmakers such as Nvidia and AMD. Washington also aims to block Iran’s procurement of drone and missile technology as part of its broader national security efforts.
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