Photo Credit: Huawei
The US government has recently taken action to revoke certain licenses that permitted American chip manufacturers to export specific goods to the Chinese technology company Huawei. This decision comes in the wake of Huawei’s unveiling of an AI-enabled computer that utilizes a chip developed by Intel. The Department of Commerce, however, has not disclosed which specific licenses have been cancelled.
Since 2019, the US has imposed restrictions on technology exports to Huawei, citing concerns over alleged connections to the Chinese military. The recent revocation of licenses aligns with the US’s ongoing strategy to limit Huawei’s access to critical technologies, particularly in light of accusations from some US lawmakers that the Biden Administration’s actions were influenced by congressional pressure.
Despite facing significant challenges due to US trade restrictions, Huawei has shown signs of recovery, especially following the release of their Mate 60 Pro smartphone last August. The company had been placed on an “entity list” by the US during Donald Trump’s presidency, requiring US firms to obtain government licenses to export certain technologies to Huawei, particularly those that could potentially be used by the Chinese military.
The US’s broader policy has seen restrictions being placed on several Chinese technology firms amidst escalating tensions between the two largest global economies. This includes recent developments such as President Biden signing legislation that could lead to a ban on TikTok unless it is divested from its Chinese parent company, a move that has been met with legal challenges from TikTok.
Beijing has criticized the US’s actions against its companies, labeling them as ‘economic bullying’. The situation remains dynamic, with potential implications for the global technology and trade landscape.
Ig @ mannu mwendwa.
