US Lawmakers Furious As Intel’s AI Chip Reaches China Despite Prohibition

More dramatically, U.S. politicians have strongly criticized the Biden Administration following Huawei’s introduction of a new laptop with Intel-powered AI chips. This reaction stems from the fact that Huawei was added to the U.S. trade restriction list in 2019 due to allegations of violating Iran sanctions, an action intended to limit China’s technological advancements.

US regulators have imposed a new rule that requires suppliers to obtain a difficult-to-obtain license before shipping artificial intelligence chips to Chinese companies. However, Chinese tech giant Huawei has managed to release laptops equipped with Intel’s AI chip, drawing scrutiny from U.S. regulatory bodies.

Huawei Acquires Intel’s AI Chip: A Closer Look

A Trump-administered license has allowed Intel to provide central processors for Huawei laptops since 2020. However, some opposed to China’s policies advocated for its cancellation, and its expiration without renewal was reluctantly accepted by many later in the year.

Despite the recent release of Huawei’s advanced AI laptop, the MateBook X Pro, causing surprise and indignation among critics due to the U.S. Commerce Department’s permit for Intel’s new Core Ultra 9 processor delivery to Huawei, this situation stirred up U.S. legislators, highlighting the country’s stricter regulations on AI chip exports.

At the same time, the new laptop that was just introduced contrasts with the Biden Administration’s recent decision to prohibit exports of laptops containing AI chips to China. Furthermore, Representative Michael Gallagher of the House of Representatives, who chairs the select committee on China, questioned Reuters about why the Department of Commerce keeps allowing US technology to be sent to Huawei.

Whereas, Intel and the Commerce Department declined to comment on the matter.

U.S. To Tighten Grip Further?

The Biden Administration has been making frequent changes to its regulations on exporting AI chips. In March, they prevented the shipment of laptops with AI chips to China, which added to China’s ongoing attempts to limit their tech industry.

In relation to this, it’s important to mention that the Commerce Department has announced its intention to regularly modify the rules governing AI chip exports to China. This decision could lead to additional regulatory measures being implemented, aimed at limiting Huawei’s growth after being added to the trade restrictions list.

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2024-04-13 11:21