US Chip Maker Micron Faces Cybersecurity Probe by China as Tech Tension Escalates
In a move that is being seen as retaliation against US restrictions on Chinese tech companies, China has launched a cybersecurity probe into US-based memory chip maker Micron Technology. 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, preventing cybersecurity risks caused by hidden product problems, and maintaining national security."
This move comes as tensions between the US and China continue to escalate in the tech sector. Last month, the Netherlands announced new restrictions on overseas sales of semiconductor technology to countries including China, citing the need to protect national security. The United States has also banned Chinese companies from buying advanced chips and chip-making equipment without a license.
Micron, which derives more than 10% of its revenue from China, told CNN that it is aware of the review and is cooperating fully with the CAC. However, shares in Micron sank 4.4% on Wall Street following the news, the biggest drop in more than three months.
China has strongly criticized restrictions on tech exports, saying last month it "firmly opposes" such measures. Beijing is seeking to woo foreign investments as it grapples with mounting economic challenges, but has also exerted growing pressure on foreign companies to bring them into line with its agenda.
The probe by China marks the latest development in a series of tensions between the two countries over tech exports and investment. Last year, China closed the Beijing office of US corporate intelligence firm Mintz Group and detained five local staff.
As the tech sector continues to be a focal point of the US-China rivalry, companies like Micron are facing increasing scrutiny from governments around the world. The implications for Micron and other US chip makers remain unclear, but the probe by China is likely to have significant consequences for the company's operations in the country.
In a move that is being seen as retaliation against US restrictions on Chinese tech companies, China has launched a cybersecurity probe into US-based memory chip maker Micron Technology. 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, preventing cybersecurity risks caused by hidden product problems, and maintaining national security."
This move comes as tensions between the US and China continue to escalate in the tech sector. Last month, the Netherlands announced new restrictions on overseas sales of semiconductor technology to countries including China, citing the need to protect national security. The United States has also banned Chinese companies from buying advanced chips and chip-making equipment without a license.
Micron, which derives more than 10% of its revenue from China, told CNN that it is aware of the review and is cooperating fully with the CAC. However, shares in Micron sank 4.4% on Wall Street following the news, the biggest drop in more than three months.
China has strongly criticized restrictions on tech exports, saying last month it "firmly opposes" such measures. Beijing is seeking to woo foreign investments as it grapples with mounting economic challenges, but has also exerted growing pressure on foreign companies to bring them into line with its agenda.
The probe by China marks the latest development in a series of tensions between the two countries over tech exports and investment. Last year, China closed the Beijing office of US corporate intelligence firm Mintz Group and detained five local staff.
As the tech sector continues to be a focal point of the US-China rivalry, companies like Micron are facing increasing scrutiny from governments around the world. The implications for Micron and other US chip makers remain unclear, but the probe by China is likely to have significant consequences for the company's operations in the country.