Beyond Huawei: Taiwan Considers Expanding AI Chip Export Curbs to All of China

Taiwan is considering a comprehensive strengthening of its export controls on artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductors to China, aligning with the stance of the United States.

Bloomberg reported that Taiwanese authorities are discussing robust export control measures that would restrict the sale of AI chips to all customers in China, rather than just specific companies like Huawei, which are already on an export blacklist.

Since 2022, the U.S. has regulated the unauthorized export of high-performance AI chips from Taiwan to China to prevent Nvidia's advanced processors from being used to bolster China's military capabilities. However, it has been difficult for Taiwanese authorities to prosecute AI chip sellers under these existing regulations.

If these new measures are implemented, Taiwan will be able to prosecute the smuggling of AI chips to China as a criminal offense.

However, the specific scope and criteria for the application are still being finalized, pending final review and approval by the government.

It was reported that Taiwanese authorities arrested a suspect for semiconductor smuggling last month on charges of document forgery.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs of Taiwan stated that it would strengthen oversight of "strategic high-tech products" in line with international export control standards, adding that "Taiwan and the U.S. are in consultations regarding matters involving advanced chips, including export regulations."

When Taiwan previously placed China's Huawei and SMIC, the country's largest foundry, on a blacklist, the Chinese Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the actions of the Taiwanese authorities. Consequently, there are expectations that this new measure will trigger a strong backlash from China.

Reported by Kim Taewon | Video by Jang Yujin | Graphics by Yang Hyemin | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.