The Biden administration is preparing to issue an executive order that could restrict the sale of advanced AI chips to countries worldwide, including those in Southeast Asia and the Gulf, in a bid to maintain its technological edge against China.
The decision comes as tensions over the use of AI technology continue to escalate between the US and China. Chinese firms have been struggling to access high-end AI chips due to strict export controls imposed by the US, with some buying or accessing them through smuggling channels.
The new executive order is part of a broader effort to prevent China from gaining an unfair advantage in the development of cutting-edge AI technology. According to experts, the most advanced chips used for AI development are mostly designed in the US and fabricated in Taiwan, with chipmaking tools built in the Netherlands, Japan, and other countries.
The US has declared its determination to maintain its lead in AI technology, but there is a risk that limiting access to these chips could hinder Chinese firms’ progress in the long term. Beijing has pledged hundreds of billions of dollars to develop its own AI capabilities, which could eventually close the technological gap between the two nations.
As China tightens its grip on key minerals used in chip production, US policymakers are seeking new ways to limit its access to advanced technology. The executive order is one part of a series of measures aimed at preventing China from gaining an unfair advantage in the global AI market.
The situation highlights the ongoing competition between the US and China for dominance in the rapidly evolving field of AI technology. With tensions escalating, policymakers must carefully balance the need to protect national interests with the risk of limiting access to critical technologies that could benefit the global economy.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2024/12/18/china-ai-chip-export-controls