China Launches Probe into US Chip Maker Micron as Tech Tensions Escalate
In a move that could further strain US-China relations, China has launched a cybersecurity probe into Micron Technology, one of America's largest memory chip makers. The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) will review products sold by Micron in the country, citing concerns over "ensuring the security of key information infrastructure supply chains" and preventing "cybersecurity risks caused by hidden product problems."
The probe comes on the heels of new restrictions announced by US allies Japan and the Netherlands, which aim to curb China's growing semiconductor industry. The move is seen as a response to the recent curbs imposed by Washington, including a ban on Chinese companies buying advanced chips and chipmaking equipment without a license.
Micron has told CNN that it is aware of the review and is cooperating fully with the CAC. "We are in communication with the CAC and are cooperating fully," the company said. "Micron's product shipments, engineering, manufacturing, sales and other functions are operating as normal."
The probe has sent shockwaves through the tech industry, with shares in Micron sinking 4.4% on Wall Street following the news, the biggest drop in more than three months. The company derives over 10% of its revenue from China, making it a key player in Beijing's bid to become a tech superpower.
China has long been critical of restrictions on tech exports, with Premier Li Qiang and top economic officials vowing to provide a "good environment" for foreign investors. However, the government has also cracked down on foreign companies that fail to comply with its agenda, including suspending Deloitte's operations in Beijing for three months and imposing a fine of $31 million over alleged lapses.
As tensions between the US and China continue to escalate, the probe into Micron raises questions about the future of tech trade between the two nations. With growth and job creation becoming increasingly important for Beijing, the government is eager to attract foreign investment, but it also needs to maintain control over sensitive technologies. The probe into Micron is just one example of how China is using its growing economic power to influence the global technology landscape.
The move comes as US allies in Asia and Europe announce new restrictions on China's semiconductor industry, striking at the heart of Beijing's bid to become a tech superpower. Japan said it would restrict the export of advanced chip manufacturing equipment to countries including China, while the Netherlands unveiled new restrictions on overseas sales of semiconductor technology, citing national security concerns.
The escalating tensions have significant implications for US companies operating in China and for the global technology landscape as a whole. As trade war between the two nations shows no signs of abating, it is likely that we will see more restrictions and probes like this one in the months to come.
In a move that could further strain US-China relations, China has launched a cybersecurity probe into Micron Technology, one of America's largest memory chip makers. The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) will review products sold by Micron in the country, citing concerns over "ensuring the security of key information infrastructure supply chains" and preventing "cybersecurity risks caused by hidden product problems."
The probe comes on the heels of new restrictions announced by US allies Japan and the Netherlands, which aim to curb China's growing semiconductor industry. The move is seen as a response to the recent curbs imposed by Washington, including a ban on Chinese companies buying advanced chips and chipmaking equipment without a license.
Micron has told CNN that it is aware of the review and is cooperating fully with the CAC. "We are in communication with the CAC and are cooperating fully," the company said. "Micron's product shipments, engineering, manufacturing, sales and other functions are operating as normal."
The probe has sent shockwaves through the tech industry, with shares in Micron sinking 4.4% on Wall Street following the news, the biggest drop in more than three months. The company derives over 10% of its revenue from China, making it a key player in Beijing's bid to become a tech superpower.
China has long been critical of restrictions on tech exports, with Premier Li Qiang and top economic officials vowing to provide a "good environment" for foreign investors. However, the government has also cracked down on foreign companies that fail to comply with its agenda, including suspending Deloitte's operations in Beijing for three months and imposing a fine of $31 million over alleged lapses.
As tensions between the US and China continue to escalate, the probe into Micron raises questions about the future of tech trade between the two nations. With growth and job creation becoming increasingly important for Beijing, the government is eager to attract foreign investment, but it also needs to maintain control over sensitive technologies. The probe into Micron is just one example of how China is using its growing economic power to influence the global technology landscape.
The move comes as US allies in Asia and Europe announce new restrictions on China's semiconductor industry, striking at the heart of Beijing's bid to become a tech superpower. Japan said it would restrict the export of advanced chip manufacturing equipment to countries including China, while the Netherlands unveiled new restrictions on overseas sales of semiconductor technology, citing national security concerns.
The escalating tensions have significant implications for US companies operating in China and for the global technology landscape as a whole. As trade war between the two nations shows no signs of abating, it is likely that we will see more restrictions and probes like this one in the months to come.
. I mean, what's next? China going after Apple or Google? It's like they're trying to create a bubble around their own tech industry and leave the rest of us in the dark 
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. They can't compete with America's Silicon Valley, so now they're trying to strangle the competition by making it hard for foreign companies to operate in their country 
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. The US needs to be careful not to drive its own tech companies out of China, but at the same time, they can't let China get away with this kind of behavior either 
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. We need to think carefully about how we balance security concerns with economic growth and job creation 
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. This probe into Micron feels like just another brick in the wall of escalating tensions 
. It's all about control, you know? China wants to keep its tech superpower dreams on track, but at what cost? 
The global industry is already feeling the squeeze 
. I'm rooting for US companies to speak out against these unfair probes 
#TechTrade #ChinaVsUS
. It's like, China wants to be a major player on the global stage but also needs to keep control over its tech exports. Meanwhile, US companies are getting squeezed between Washington's restrictions and Beijing's probes... it's a lose-lose situation for everyone involved 
. They want to expand their chip-making capabilities without letting anyone else get a piece of the pie 
️. It's like they're playing catch-up, and now they're trying to block others from playing too 
. I mean, can't they just follow the same rules as everyone else? 
. They want to protect their own interests and maintain control over the global technology landscape 
. Meanwhile, US companies are getting squeezed between a rock and a hard place - either they play by China's rules or face the music 
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. We need to support US companies in China and make sure they're not being unfairly targeted 
. This probe is just another reason why we need to strengthen our trade relationships with like-minded countries 
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They're gonna probe Apple now too?! 
Just kidding but seriously China is getting a bit too aggressive for my taste. I mean, if they want Micron to cooperate then just talk to them, don't launch a cyber attack on their products... like that's not shady at all