US Tightens Semiconductor Export Rules for China

Ever noticed how much power tiny semiconductors hold? Well, the United States has just taken big steps to keep this power out of China's hands. On Monday, the U. S. government announced new rules that make it illegal to send certain semiconductor tech to China. This is all part of the Biden administration's plan to stop China from making advanced weapons and AI systems. The new rules, announced by the Department of Commerce, block the export of 24 types of semiconductor manufacturing equipment and 3 software tools. Also, they've added 140 Chinese companies to their "Entity List, " meaning these companies now need a license to get U. S. exports. The U. S. says these companies are helping China's military modernization.Commerce Secretary Gina Raimond said these new rules are like a targeted strike, aiming to stop China from making advanced tech that could threaten U. S. national security. The rules take effect immediately, but some controls have a delayed start date of December 31. This isn't the first time the U. S. has done this. Remember the COVID-19 pandemic? It caused a big shortage of semiconductors. So, Biden signed a law called the CHIPS and Science Act to boost domestic manufacturing and protect national security. China isn't happy about these new rules. A spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce called them "unilateral bullying. " They said these rules mess with global trade and the international economic order. China also accused the U. S. of breaking market economy rules and disrupting global supply chains.