US vows to ‘do whatever it takes’ to limit China’s tech advancements

The tech supremacy rivalry between the United States and China is likely not going to end any time soon based on Washington’s determination to tighten its grip on semiconductors among others.

US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo hinted at potential measures to further curtail China’s access to advanced semiconductor technologies, underscoring the intensifying tech war between the two global powerhouses.

“We cannot allow China to have access for their military advancement to our most sophisticated technology,” she told reporters in Manila on Monday. “So yes, we will do whatever it takes to protect our people including expanding our controls.”

Raimondo’s assertion is an emphasis on the need to prevent China from leveraging sophisticated technologies for military advancements. This sentiment reflects broader concerns within the US administration about Beijing’s technological ambitions and its implications for national security.

The proposed tightening of controls on semiconductor exports to China aligns with the Biden administration’s broader strategy to counter Chinese technological ascendancy. A Bloomberg report suggests that the administration is contemplating fresh sanctions on several Chinese tech firms, including memory chipmaker ChangXin Memory Technologies Inc., as part of a concerted effort to limit China’s access to critical technologies.

This move follows years of strategic maneuvering by the US to stymie China’s technological progress. Washington has employed a multifaceted approach, encompassing export controls, sanctions, and diplomatic efforts, to thwart China’s advancements in key sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and telecommunications.

The semiconductor industry has emerged as a focal point in the tech war, given its strategic significance in powering a wide array of modern technologies, including AI, 5G networks, and advanced weapon systems. The US has wielded its influence to restrict China’s access to semiconductor manufacturing equipment and cutting-edge chip designs, aiming to maintain its technological edge.

Furthermore, the US has actively engaged with allies to build a coalition aimed at countering China’s technological expansion. Efforts to tighten export controls and coordinate sanctions against Chinese tech firms have been bolstered by partnerships with like-minded nations, amplifying the impact of US-led initiatives.

Last year, Japan and the Netherlands, pivotal nations in the development of chip-making equipment, aligned with the US initiative.

However, challenges persist, with China demonstrating resilience and adaptability in navigating US restrictions. Beijing has intensified efforts to achieve technological self-sufficiency, investing heavily in domestic research and development, while also pursuing strategic partnerships and acquisitions abroad to acquire critical technologies.

Moreover, the tech war extends beyond semiconductors, encompassing a broad spectrum of emerging technologies and industries. Issues such as data security, intellectual property theft, and the regulation of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing further complicate the bilateral relationship.

As tensions escalate, the repercussions of the tech war are felt not only by the US and China but also by the global economy. Supply chain disruptions, market volatility, and heightened regulatory scrutiny are reshaping the dynamics of global trade and investment, underscoring the far-reaching implications of the burgeoning rivalry.

In this complex geopolitical landscape, the trajectory of US-China relations will be shaped by a delicate balancing act between competition and cooperation, as both nations seek to safeguard their interests while navigating the intricate web of interconnectedness in the digital age. As the tech war continues to unfold, the stakes remain high, with profound implications for the future of global technological innovation and strategic stability.