ArrowArtboardCreated with Sketch.Title ChevronTitle ChevronIcon FacebookIcon LinkedinIcon Mail ContactPath LayerIcon MailPositive ArrowIcon Print
US-China tensions

China's top chipmaker SMIC hit by US export controls

Beijing-backed company denies Washington's claims of military links

TAIPEI -- The U.S. is tightening export controls on Semiconductor Manufacturing International Co., China's top chipmaker, citing an "unprecedented risk" posed by the company's alleged links to the military.

In a letter dated Sept. 25 and seen by the Nikkei Asian Review, the U.S. Department of Commerce instructs American companies to apply for licenses to ship certain controlled items to SMIC. The move further escalates the Trump administration's crackdown on Chinese tech companies and is likely to ratchet up tensions with Beijing.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.

Discover the all new Nikkei Asia app

  • Take your reading anywhere with offline reading functions
  • Never miss a story with breaking news alerts
  • Customize your reading experience

Nikkei Asian Review, now known as Nikkei Asia, will be the voice of the Asian Century.

Celebrate our next chapter
Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

Find out more