Media: Intel Tests Chip Equipment with Chinese Background, Republican Lawmakers Warn of National Security Risks

American chip giant Intel recently tested products from a semiconductor equipment vendor closely associated with China, and some overseas subsidiaries of which have been sanctioned by the U.S., triggering strong backlash from Republican lawmakers, who accused the move of possibly endangering U.S. national security.

According to Reuters, the equipment tested by Intel comes from ACM Research, a chip manufacturing equipment supplier based in Fremont, California. These devices are used to evaluate whether they can be incorporated into Intel's most advanced 14A process.

Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan was previously criticized for his close ties with China and was pressured by President Trump in August this year to resign.

The report noted that two of ACM Research's subsidiaries in Shanghai and South Korea were placed on a restricted list by the U.S. government last year, prohibiting them from receiving U.S. technology, as these units were accused of assisting China in using commercial technology for military purposes and participating in the production of advanced chips or chip manufacturing equipment. ACM denied the allegations. On the day the Reuters report was published, the stock price of ACM's Shanghai subsidiary rose by 8%.

Republican U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn stated in a statement sent to Reuters: "Testing equipment linked to China in U.S. chip manufacturing is equivalent to opening the door for China to manipulate or even sabotage our most advanced semiconductor capabilities. It is shocking that Intel is willing to take risks with America's national and economic security."

Blackburn called on Congress to quickly pass legislation she co-sponsored with other legislators, which would prohibit chip manufacturers receiving billions of dollars in U.S. government subsidies from using Chinese-made equipment in government-supported expansion programs.

Reuters noted that it is currently unclear whether Intel has decided to formally incorporate these devices into its chip manufacturing process, and there is no evidence that Intel has violated any relevant U.S. regulations.

Intel responded that it is not currently using ACM's equipment for chip production, and the company fully complies with U.S. laws and regulations, emphasizing its "high regard for national security responsibilities," and implementing strict information technology and cybersecurity standards during the manufacturing process to protect sensitive information.

The report also pointed out that some U.S. political figures with a tough stance toward China believe that Intel, which already has U.S. government investment, is still considering introducing equipment related to sanctioned companies in its most advanced processes, highlighting significant national security concerns, including the potential leakage of sensitive technology, the exclusion of trusted equipment suppliers in the West, and even the potential risk of being compromised.

Republican U.S. Representative John Moolenaar, chairman of the House Select Committee on China, said that nothing could more quickly undermine America's advantage in AI chips and their manufacturing tools than introducing Chinese-made equipment in American factories.

He said, "Considering that Intel has received substantial support from American taxpayers due to its alignment with national interests, it is difficult to understand how the company would consider taking actions that could endanger U.S. national security."

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1851859269233674/

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