
After previously stating that the US would block exports of key AI chips to China, it appears that Donald Trump’s administration has taken a sudden U-turn. Reports suggest that the US will now temporarily lift restrictions on the export of crucial technology, including AI chips and other components, to China.
According to sources familiar with the matter, this move is aimed at helping Trump secure a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this year in an attempt to reach a trade deal. It’s claimed that Trump is seeking to avoid antagonizing Xi over concerns about potential retaliation from China regarding the export of rare earths and magnets.
This development comes as NVIDIA recently announced it would resume selling key AI chips to China, following earlier restrictions by the Department of Commerce. The company stated that the US government assured them licenses would be granted, allowing deliveries to commence soon. Today’s news effectively confirms this statement.
However, a group of 20 security experts and former US officials, including individuals from Trump’s previous administration, have expressed strong opposition to the move. In a letter to the Department of Commerce, they emphasized that providing China with advanced AI chips would be a “strategic mis-step” putting the US at risk of losing its economic and military edge in artificial intelligence.
The experts warn that by supplying China with these chips, the US is inadvertently fueling the infrastructure used to modernize and expand the Chinese military. This, they argue, poses significant risks to national security.
Despite this opposition, it seems that Trump’s administration has chosen to prioritize smoothing negotiations with China over concerns about the potential repercussions for US interests.
Source: www.engadget.com