The United States has imposed new export restrictions on quantum computers and semiconductor-manufacturing equipment amid concerns about the use of advanced technologies by rivals such as China.
The US Department of Commerce said on Thursday that the export restrictions would follow consultations with international partners and strengthen ties with “like-minded countries”.
“Today’s action ensures that our national export controls keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies and are more effective when we work in concert with international partners,” Bureau of Industry and Security Under Secretary Alan Estevez said in a statement.
“Aligning our controls on quantum and other advanced technologies makes it significantly more difficult for our adversaries to develop and deploy these technologies in ways that threaten our collective security.”
The US has sought to throttle China’s tech industry with restrictions on advanced chips and related equipment amid growing strategic rivalry between Washington and Beijing.
US President Joe Biden’s administration has pushed allies to introduce their own restrictions to limit China’s access to semiconductor technology.
On Friday, the Netherlands announced stricter restrictions on exports of semiconductor-making machines.
“We see that technological advances have increased the security risks associated with the export of this particular production equipment, especially in the current geopolitical context,” Dutch Foreign Trade Minister Renate Claver said in a statement.
Other countries, including Japan, have previously joined US efforts to curb the Chinese tech sector by curbing advanced chip-making equipment.
Beijing in turn has stepped up efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in advanced chips, pouring billions of dollars into its domestic industry.
In a recent analysis, Technali, a Tokyo-based semiconductor research company, said Chinese chips manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd., the industry leader, are only three years behind, despite U.S. efforts to fend off its rival.
China’s foreign ministry on Friday accused the US of violating market principles and disrupting global supply chains.
“This is not in line with the interests of any party,” spokesman Mao Ning told a regular news conference.
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