U.S. Commerce Department: Trump Considering Relaxing AI Chip Exports to China
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said on the 24th that President Trump is considering approving NVIDIA's export of its cutting-edge artificial intelligence chip H200 to China. If implemented, this move would mark a significant relaxation 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 elevated to the presidential level.
Lutnick revealed, "Such export license applications are currently being reviewed by President Trump personally. 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 this policy debate lies in reaching a consensus between maintaining national security and balancing economic interests.
Previously, it was reported that the U.S. government has initiated preliminary discussions on allowing exports of H200 chips to China. If realized, this would substantially relax current technological control measures.
Lutnick added that NVIDIA's CEO Huang Renxun's efforts to secure sales licenses for China "have sufficient reasons," and he pointed out that "there are many others" who believe 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 also essential for artificial intelligence. He called the United States the "world superpower" in the field of artificial intelligence and claimed that the United States "leads" China.
In January this year, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued a document stating that the United States 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 engage in mass surveillance of hostile countries. At the same time, the Department of Commerce assured that verified U.S. partners and allies will still have access to advanced technologies. The White House had previously stated that the Trump administration does not intend to allow NVIDIA to sell its most advanced artificial intelligence chips to China at this time.
The Chinese side has repeatedly expressed its position on related issues. A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that the U.S. has politicized, over-safetied, and instrumentalized trade, economic, and technological issues, continuously increasing export controls on chips to China, and coercing other countries to suppress China's semiconductor industry. Such actions hinder the development of the global semiconductor industry and ultimately harm both sides, damaging others and oneself.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1849712241680387/
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