Monday, November 25, 2024

US imposes export controls on quantum computers to limit China

The Biden administration plans to impose export controls on critical technologies equivalent to quantum computers and semiconductor products, aligning the United States with allies working to thwart the advances of China and other hostile nations.

The Regulate They goal quantum computers and components, advanced chip manufacturing tools, a cutting-edge semiconductor technology called Gate All-Around, and various components and software related to metals and metal alloys. They cover all global exports, but include exemptions for countries that implement similar measures. The group These include Japan and the Netherlands other alliesand the United States expects other countries to follow suit, the Commerce Department said in a press release.

Washington has for years cracked down on China and other adversaries searching for access to cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies, fearing that sophisticated chips and components could give Beijing a military advantage. Given America’s leadership in a spread of educational fields and research partnerships, the promise of more lenient licensing approvals provides an incentive for countries to affix the U.S. camp.

The US efforts included unilateral measures that Washington tried to coordinate with a handful of key allies – equivalent to comprehensive Export controls The restrictions first imposed in 2022 also apply here – equivalent to those announced on Thursday and negotiated in a broader international context.

“By focusing our controls on quantum and other advanced technologies, it will be significantly more difficult for our adversaries to develop and deploy these technologies in ways that threaten our collective security,” Alan Estevez, director of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security, said in an announcement.

The US and China are leading a worldwide initiative to research quantum computing, which some say will revolutionise the technology. While local experts have expressed concern concerning the impact of Washington’s sanctions on Beijing’s quantum technology efforts, it is just too early to say whether they’ll significantly impact research in China.

Quantum computers will take years to attain world-shattering feats, but promise speeds tens of millions of times faster than classical computers. Countries world wide are investing billions of dollars in quantum computers, partly out of fear of the military and economic advantages they may bring.

Thursday’s measure opens a 60-day public comment period before authorities issue a final rule.

The US is working independently on a brand new package of chip-related export controls that will goal China’s access to so-called high-bandwidth memory chips, a key AI component, in addition to a spread of semiconductor manufacturing tools, Bloomberg reported. These efforts include measures with a worldwide focus – but with Exceptions for key allies, including Japan and the Netherlands, where two of an important corporations within the chip supply chain are based.

Washington is applying pressure Tokyo and The Hague are considering introducing similar rules, Push back by each governments, who’re reluctant to harm their flagship corporations – and within the case of Japan, fear of Retaliatory measures from China.

Both Japan and the Netherlands have already introduced some restrictions which can be modeled on the unique US rules for 2022, but with key differences that frustrate American corporations. Washington is working to shut these gaps – with some recent Progress within the Netherlands – and pursue a multilateral strategy regarding the most recent possible measures.

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