US Chip Maker Micron Under Fire from China Over Cybersecurity Concerns as Tech Tensions Escalate
In a move that appears to be retaliation against US allies in Asia and Europe, 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 potential cybersecurity risks.
The probe is aimed at ensuring the security of key information infrastructure supply chains and preventing any cybersecurity risks that may arise from "hidden product problems". This move comes on the heels of similar restrictions imposed by Japan, a US ally, and follows new curbs announced by the United States and the Netherlands on China's semiconductor industry.
These measures are part of a broader trend of escalating tensions between the US and China over technology trade and security. The US has banned Chinese companies from buying advanced chips and chipmaking equipment without a license, while the Netherlands has unveiled new restrictions on overseas sales of semiconductor technology.
Micron, which derives more than 10% of its revenue from China, has warned earlier about potential risks associated with doing business in the country. However, shares in the company have still taken a hit, sinking 4.4% on Wall Street following the news, their largest drop in over three months.
The probe by the CAC is seen as a response to restrictions imposed by US allies on China's tech industry. Beijing has strongly criticized these measures, saying it "firmly opposes" such actions. However, the government has also been exerting growing pressure on foreign companies to bring them into line with its agenda, with recent examples including the closure of a US corporate intelligence firm's office and the suspension of Deloitte's operations in Beijing.
The escalation of tensions between the US and China over technology trade and security is set to continue. With China seeking to woo foreign investments and boost growth, companies operating in the country are facing increasing pressure to comply with Beijing's agenda. As one of the largest memory chip makers in the world, Micron is at the center of this growing storm, with its future prospects now hanging in the balance.
				
			In a move that appears to be retaliation against US allies in Asia and Europe, 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 potential cybersecurity risks.
The probe is aimed at ensuring the security of key information infrastructure supply chains and preventing any cybersecurity risks that may arise from "hidden product problems". This move comes on the heels of similar restrictions imposed by Japan, a US ally, and follows new curbs announced by the United States and the Netherlands on China's semiconductor industry.
These measures are part of a broader trend of escalating tensions between the US and China over technology trade and security. The US has banned Chinese companies from buying advanced chips and chipmaking equipment without a license, while the Netherlands has unveiled new restrictions on overseas sales of semiconductor technology.
Micron, which derives more than 10% of its revenue from China, has warned earlier about potential risks associated with doing business in the country. However, shares in the company have still taken a hit, sinking 4.4% on Wall Street following the news, their largest drop in over three months.
The probe by the CAC is seen as a response to restrictions imposed by US allies on China's tech industry. Beijing has strongly criticized these measures, saying it "firmly opposes" such actions. However, the government has also been exerting growing pressure on foreign companies to bring them into line with its agenda, with recent examples including the closure of a US corporate intelligence firm's office and the suspension of Deloitte's operations in Beijing.
The escalation of tensions between the US and China over technology trade and security is set to continue. With China seeking to woo foreign investments and boost growth, companies operating in the country are facing increasing pressure to comply with Beijing's agenda. As one of the largest memory chip makers in the world, Micron is at the center of this growing storm, with its future prospects now hanging in the balance.