U.S. tightens exports to China’s chipmaker SMIC, citing risk of military use
SHANGHAI/WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States has imposed restrictions on exports to China’s biggest chip maker SMIC after concluding there’s an “unacceptable risk” instruments outfitted to it is perhaps used for military features.
Suppliers of certain instruments to Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation will now have to apply for specific particular person export licenses, in accordance to a letter from the Commerce Department dated Friday and seen by Reuters.
The latest switch marks a shift in U.S. protection from earlier this 12 months, when candidates on the lookout for “military end client” licenses to promote to SMIC have been suggested by the Commerce Department that the licenses weren’t essential, in accordance to three people conscious of the matter.
SMIC talked about it had not obtained any official uncover of the restrictions and talked about it has no ties with the Chinese military.
“SMIC reiterates …