California lawmakers opposed new restrictions on technology exports to China

Some California Democrats are calling on the Biden administration to halt plans to impose additional restrictions on U.S. technology exports to China.

Here's What We Know

They argue that such measures could hurt U.S. businesses and benefit foreign competitors. In the past, the US has imposed strict restrictions on the export of chips and chip-making equipment to China to companies such as Huawei, fearing that Beijing could use the technology to bolster its military capabilities.

However, US allies such as the Netherlands and Japan have not imposed such stringent measures. In a letter dated 13 August, Senator Alex Padilla and House of Representatives member Zoe Lofgren expressed concern that further scrutiny could harm US companies. They urged the administration to suspend additional restrictions until it can be shown that they will not harm U.S. competitiveness in semiconductors. The lawmakers also emphasised the need to coordinate export controls with US allies.

Source: Reuters