The Trump administration is intensifying efforts to restrict China’s access to advanced semiconductor technology by proposing tougher U.S. export controls and urging key allies, including Japan and the Netherlands, to adopt stricter measures. This approach builds on policies initiated under the Biden administration to limit China’s technological development, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence (AI) and military capabilities.
Key actions being pursued include:
- Restricting Maintenance of Semiconductor Equipment: U.S. officials are pressuring allies to prevent companies like ASML Holding NV (Netherlands) and Tokyo Electron Ltd. (Japan) from servicing semiconductor manufacturing equipment in China. Without regular maintenance, such equipment could lose its effectiveness, potentially hindering China’s chip production capabilities.
- Targeting High-Bandwidth Memory Chips: The U.S. is also seeking to limit China’s ability to produce high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips, which are critical for AI development. These efforts involve curbing the activities of companies like ASML and Tokyo Electron in China.
- Expanding Export Controls: There are discussions about further restricting exports of advanced chips, such as those from Nvidia Corp., and tightening thresholds for computing power that can be shipped without a license. This includes revisiting Biden-era measures like the “AI diffusion rule,” which regulates AI chip exports globally.
- Allied Resistance: Despite U.S. pressure, some allies have expressed reluctance to tighten restrictions further, citing the need to assess the impact of existing measures. For instance, both Japan and the Netherlands have shown hesitation in adopting stricter curbs immediately.
These measures reflect a broader U.S. strategy to curb China’s technological advancements by leveraging international cooperation while addressing gaps in existing export controls. However, the success of these efforts depends on securing stronger commitments from allied nations and overcoming resistance from countries concerned about economic and geopolitical ramifications.