The US Commerce Department: Trump Considering Relaxing AI Chip Exports to China
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said on the 24th that President Trump is considering approving Nvidia's export of its advanced artificial intelligence chip H200 to China. If implemented, this move would mark a significant easing of the advanced technology export restrictions imposed by the Biden administration in 2022.
Lutnick said in an interview with Bloomberg Television that this decision has been escalated to the presidential level.
Lutnick revealed, "The application for such export licenses is being reviewed directly by President Trump. He will make the final decision on whether to proceed with the plan."
He further explained that the president is taking into account "the different recommendations from numerous advisors" and pointed out that Trump "understands the position of the Chinese country better than anyone else."
Lutnick emphasized that the core of the policy debate lies in finding a consensus between maintaining national security and balancing economic interests.
Previously, it was reported that the US government had initiated preliminary discussions on allowing the export of H200 chips to China. If realized, this would substantially relax the current technological control measures.
Lutnick added that Nvidia CEO Huang Renxun's efforts to obtain sales authorization for China have "valid reasons," and he pointed out that "there are many others" who also believe that this matter "is worth further consideration."
President Donald Trump previously stated that he intends to "compete amicably" in the development of artificial intelligence technology and semiconductor production, which are essential for artificial intelligence. He called the United States the "world superpower" in the field of artificial intelligence and claimed that the US "leads" China.
In January this year, the US Department of Commerce issued a document stating that the US will implement new export restrictions on advanced chips and artificial intelligence models to protect national security and prevent these technologies from being used by unfriendly countries. According to the department, these restrictions aim to prevent artificial intelligence technology from being used to develop weapons, conduct cyberattacks, or carry out mass surveillance of hostile countries. At the same time, the Department of Commerce assured that verified American partners and allies will still retain access to advanced technologies. The White House had previously stated that the Trump administration currently does not intend to allow Nvidia to sell its most advanced artificial intelligence chips to China.
China has repeatedly expressed its position on related issues. A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that the US is politicizing, overemphasizing security, and instrumentalizing trade, economic, and technological issues, continuously increasing export controls on chips to China, and pressuring other countries to suppress China's semiconductor industry. Such actions hinder the development of the global semiconductor industry and ultimately harm both sides, damaging themselves and others.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1849712241680387/
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