US Blocks AI Chip Exports to Prevent China from Catching Up

In a last-ditch effort to stop China from gaining the upper hand in AI technology, the Biden administration has announced new restrictions on the export of advanced AI chips. This move, coming just before Biden leaves office, is expected to strain relations with China. Tech giants like Nvidia and Oracle have criticized these restrictions, saying they will hurt US competitiveness. The rules create three tiers of countries for exports, with the most limits on China and Russia. The goal is to keep advanced AI tech out of the hands of rivals while still sharing benefits with allies. The changes aim to prevent China from getting AI chips through other countries.The new rules follow other recent restrictions on semiconductor exports to China. The demand for AI chips is high, and the rules will start soon, with a 120-day comment period. Officials hope the next administration will listen to experts and industry feedback before making changes. China's leader, Xi Jinping, has been focusing on making China self-sufficient in tech. Tech companies and industry groups have slammed the restrictions, saying they will harm global innovation and economic growth.