China Launches Probe Into US Chip Maker Micron Amid Rising Tech Tensions
In a move that could be seen as retaliation against Washington's efforts to curb China's growing semiconductor industry, the Chinese government has launched a cybersecurity probe into Micron Technology, one of America's largest memory chip makers. The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) announced on Friday that it would review products sold by Micron in the country, citing concerns over potential security risks.
The CAC's move comes as tensions between Washington and Beijing continue to escalate. In recent weeks, US allies in Asia and Europe have announced new restrictions on the sale of key technology to China, which is seen as a bid to curb Beijing's growing tech ambitions. The United States has banned Chinese companies from buying advanced chips and chipmaking equipment without a license, while Japan has restricted the export of advanced chip manufacturing equipment to countries including China.
Micron Technology has confirmed that it is aware of the review and is cooperating fully with the CAC. However, shares in the company have taken a hit as a result of the news, sinking 4.4% on Wall Street on Friday, the largest drop in over three months.
The probe into Micron is seen as part of China's broader efforts to regulate foreign companies operating in the country. Beijing has been cracking down on foreign firms that it says are not complying with its regulations or are compromising national security.
China has strongly criticized restrictions on tech exports, saying last month that it "firmly opposes" such measures. However, the government has also exerted growing pressure on foreign companies to bring them into line with its agenda. Last month, authorities closed the Beijing office of a US corporate intelligence firm and detained several staff members, while days earlier, they suspended Deloitte's operations in Beijing for three months.
The probe into Micron is expected to have significant implications for the company, which derives more than 10% of its revenue from China. The company has warned that there are risks associated with operating in the country and has expressed concerns about the potential impact of Chinese regulations on its business.
As tensions between Washington and Beijing continue to escalate, it remains to be seen how this latest move will play out. However, one thing is clear: the Chinese government's efforts to regulate foreign companies operating in the country are likely to continue, with far-reaching implications for global trade and technology.
In a move that could be seen as retaliation against Washington's efforts to curb China's growing semiconductor industry, the Chinese government has launched a cybersecurity probe into Micron Technology, one of America's largest memory chip makers. The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) announced on Friday that it would review products sold by Micron in the country, citing concerns over potential security risks.
The CAC's move comes as tensions between Washington and Beijing continue to escalate. In recent weeks, US allies in Asia and Europe have announced new restrictions on the sale of key technology to China, which is seen as a bid to curb Beijing's growing tech ambitions. The United States has banned Chinese companies from buying advanced chips and chipmaking equipment without a license, while Japan has restricted the export of advanced chip manufacturing equipment to countries including China.
Micron Technology has confirmed that it is aware of the review and is cooperating fully with the CAC. However, shares in the company have taken a hit as a result of the news, sinking 4.4% on Wall Street on Friday, the largest drop in over three months.
The probe into Micron is seen as part of China's broader efforts to regulate foreign companies operating in the country. Beijing has been cracking down on foreign firms that it says are not complying with its regulations or are compromising national security.
China has strongly criticized restrictions on tech exports, saying last month that it "firmly opposes" such measures. However, the government has also exerted growing pressure on foreign companies to bring them into line with its agenda. Last month, authorities closed the Beijing office of a US corporate intelligence firm and detained several staff members, while days earlier, they suspended Deloitte's operations in Beijing for three months.
The probe into Micron is expected to have significant implications for the company, which derives more than 10% of its revenue from China. The company has warned that there are risks associated with operating in the country and has expressed concerns about the potential impact of Chinese regulations on its business.
As tensions between Washington and Beijing continue to escalate, it remains to be seen how this latest move will play out. However, one thing is clear: the Chinese government's efforts to regulate foreign companies operating in the country are likely to continue, with far-reaching implications for global trade and technology.