Micron Technology, one of the US's largest memory chip makers, is under fire from China as part of a growing tech Cold War between the two superpowers.
The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) has launched a cybersecurity probe into Micron, citing concerns over potential security risks in the company's products sold in the country. This move comes as Beijing seeks to tighten its grip on foreign companies operating in the region and enforce its own agenda for technology development.
The probe is part of a broader effort by Chinese authorities to restrict the flow of sensitive technology to US allies in Asia and Europe, which has been met with resistance from Washington and its partners. Japan, for example, has announced plans to restrict exports of advanced chip manufacturing equipment to countries including China.
As tensions escalate, shares in Micron have taken a hit, falling by 4.4% on Wall Street last week following the news, their biggest drop in over three months. The company's revenue from China accounts for more than 10%.
Micron had warned of such risks earlier this year, stating that Chinese authorities may restrict its participation in the market or prevent it from competing effectively with local companies.
China has been vocal in its criticism of restrictions on tech exports, saying last month that it "firmly opposes" such measures. However, Beijing is increasingly exerting pressure on foreign companies to bring them into line with its agenda, as it seeks to boost growth and job creation through wooing global investments.
The probe into Micron raises concerns about the potential for broader trade tensions between China and the US, which have been simmering in recent years. As the tech industry becomes increasingly interconnected, the risks of a full-blown trade war are growing by the day.
The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) has launched a cybersecurity probe into Micron, citing concerns over potential security risks in the company's products sold in the country. This move comes as Beijing seeks to tighten its grip on foreign companies operating in the region and enforce its own agenda for technology development.
The probe is part of a broader effort by Chinese authorities to restrict the flow of sensitive technology to US allies in Asia and Europe, which has been met with resistance from Washington and its partners. Japan, for example, has announced plans to restrict exports of advanced chip manufacturing equipment to countries including China.
As tensions escalate, shares in Micron have taken a hit, falling by 4.4% on Wall Street last week following the news, their biggest drop in over three months. The company's revenue from China accounts for more than 10%.
Micron had warned of such risks earlier this year, stating that Chinese authorities may restrict its participation in the market or prevent it from competing effectively with local companies.
China has been vocal in its criticism of restrictions on tech exports, saying last month that it "firmly opposes" such measures. However, Beijing is increasingly exerting pressure on foreign companies to bring them into line with its agenda, as it seeks to boost growth and job creation through wooing global investments.
The probe into Micron raises concerns about the potential for broader trade tensions between China and the US, which have been simmering in recent years. As the tech industry becomes increasingly interconnected, the risks of a full-blown trade war are growing by the day.