US Chip Maker Micron Under Fire from China as Tech Tension Escalates
A growing tech rivalry between the US and China has taken a new turn with Chinese authorities launching a cybersecurity probe into Micron Technology, one of America's largest memory chip makers. The probe comes in response to recent restrictions on technology exports to China by several countries, including Japan, the US, and the Netherlands.
The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) announced late Friday that it will review products sold by Micron in the country as part of a broader effort to "ensure the security of key information infrastructure supply chains, prevent cybersecurity risks caused by hidden product problems, and maintain national security."
This move is seen as a response to the recent restrictions on Chinese tech companies' access to advanced chip-making equipment and technology. The US and its allies have imposed curbs on China's semiconductor industry, which is at the heart of Beijing's bid to become a tech superpower.
Micron told CNN that it was aware of the review and is cooperating fully with the CAC. "We are in communication with the CAC and are cooperating fully," it said. "Micron's product shipments, engineering, manufacturing, sales and other functions are operating as normal."
The move has sent shockwaves through the tech industry, with shares of Micron plummeting 4.4% on Wall Street following the news. The company derives more than 10% of its revenue from China, making it a key player in the country's tech ambitions.
China's criticism of restrictions on tech exports has been vocal, with Beijing labeling them as "unfair" and "unreasonable." However, the Chinese government is seeking to woo foreign investments and boost growth, and has rolled out efforts to attract global CEOs and promise a favorable business environment.
The probe into Micron comes as tensions between the US and China continue to escalate. The two nations have been locked in a trade war for years, with each side imposing tariffs and restrictions on the other's tech exports. The situation has taken a new turn with countries like Japan, the US, and the Netherlands announcing curbs on Chinese tech companies.
The probe into Micron highlights the growing risks for foreign companies operating in China. Beijing has been exerting pressure on foreign companies to bring them into line with its agenda, including detaining staff from US corporate intelligence firms and suspending operations of international accounting firms. The move is a reminder that doing business in China comes with significant risks, including censorship, data theft, and regulatory challenges.
As the tech rivalry between the US and China continues to intensify, Micron's probe is just one of several flashpoints. The situation remains fluid, with each side seeking to gain an advantage over the other.
A growing tech rivalry between the US and China has taken a new turn with Chinese authorities launching a cybersecurity probe into Micron Technology, one of America's largest memory chip makers. The probe comes in response to recent restrictions on technology exports to China by several countries, including Japan, the US, and the Netherlands.
The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) announced late Friday that it will review products sold by Micron in the country as part of a broader effort to "ensure the security of key information infrastructure supply chains, prevent cybersecurity risks caused by hidden product problems, and maintain national security."
This move is seen as a response to the recent restrictions on Chinese tech companies' access to advanced chip-making equipment and technology. The US and its allies have imposed curbs on China's semiconductor industry, which is at the heart of Beijing's bid to become a tech superpower.
Micron told CNN that it was aware of the review and is cooperating fully with the CAC. "We are in communication with the CAC and are cooperating fully," it said. "Micron's product shipments, engineering, manufacturing, sales and other functions are operating as normal."
The move has sent shockwaves through the tech industry, with shares of Micron plummeting 4.4% on Wall Street following the news. The company derives more than 10% of its revenue from China, making it a key player in the country's tech ambitions.
China's criticism of restrictions on tech exports has been vocal, with Beijing labeling them as "unfair" and "unreasonable." However, the Chinese government is seeking to woo foreign investments and boost growth, and has rolled out efforts to attract global CEOs and promise a favorable business environment.
The probe into Micron comes as tensions between the US and China continue to escalate. The two nations have been locked in a trade war for years, with each side imposing tariffs and restrictions on the other's tech exports. The situation has taken a new turn with countries like Japan, the US, and the Netherlands announcing curbs on Chinese tech companies.
The probe into Micron highlights the growing risks for foreign companies operating in China. Beijing has been exerting pressure on foreign companies to bring them into line with its agenda, including detaining staff from US corporate intelligence firms and suspending operations of international accounting firms. The move is a reminder that doing business in China comes with significant risks, including censorship, data theft, and regulatory challenges.
As the tech rivalry between the US and China continues to intensify, Micron's probe is just one of several flashpoints. The situation remains fluid, with each side seeking to gain an advantage over the other.