China launches probe into US chip maker Micron Technology amid escalating tech tensions with US allies.
In a move that appears to be a retaliation against recent restrictions on Chinese technology sales, 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 and preventing cybersecurity risks caused by hidden product problems."
The development comes as tensions between the US and China escalate over issues related to technology exports. Japan has also joined the fray, announcing it would restrict the export of advanced chip manufacturing equipment to countries including China.
Washington has imposed curbs on China's semiconductor industry, which aims to hinder Beijing's bid to become a tech superpower. The restrictions are seen as part of a broader effort by the US to limit China's access to sensitive technologies that could be used for military purposes.
Micron Technology, one of America's largest memory chip makers, derives more than 10% of its revenue from China. Shares in the company plummeted 4.4% on Wall Street following the news, the biggest drop in over three months.
In a statement to CNN, Micron said it was aware of the review and would cooperate fully with the CAC. However, the company added that it stands by the security of its products and that its operations are operating as normal.
China has been critical of restrictions on technology exports, saying it "firmly opposes" such measures. Beijing is seeking to woo foreign investments in a bid to boost growth and job creation, but has also exerted growing pressure on foreign companies to bring them into line with its agenda.
The move by China highlights the growing tensions between the US and China over issues related to technology exports. As the tech industry becomes increasingly globalized, countries are grappling with how to balance their economic interests with national security concerns.
In a move that appears to be a retaliation against recent restrictions on Chinese technology sales, 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 and preventing cybersecurity risks caused by hidden product problems."
The development comes as tensions between the US and China escalate over issues related to technology exports. Japan has also joined the fray, announcing it would restrict the export of advanced chip manufacturing equipment to countries including China.
Washington has imposed curbs on China's semiconductor industry, which aims to hinder Beijing's bid to become a tech superpower. The restrictions are seen as part of a broader effort by the US to limit China's access to sensitive technologies that could be used for military purposes.
Micron Technology, one of America's largest memory chip makers, derives more than 10% of its revenue from China. Shares in the company plummeted 4.4% on Wall Street following the news, the biggest drop in over three months.
In a statement to CNN, Micron said it was aware of the review and would cooperate fully with the CAC. However, the company added that it stands by the security of its products and that its operations are operating as normal.
China has been critical of restrictions on technology exports, saying it "firmly opposes" such measures. Beijing is seeking to woo foreign investments in a bid to boost growth and job creation, but has also exerted growing pressure on foreign companies to bring them into line with its agenda.
The move by China highlights the growing tensions between the US and China over issues related to technology exports. As the tech industry becomes increasingly globalized, countries are grappling with how to balance their economic interests with national security concerns.