The Inspur unit was listed to contribute to the development of Chinese military supercomputers, the Commerce Department said in a post. The five subsidiaries are based in China and one is based in Taiwan. Reuters reports that the Inspur Group itself was on the list in 2023.
The Inspur unit has added around 80 businesses and institutions to its export control list on Tuesday. Over 50 people are based in China. Others are in Taiwan, Iran, Pakistan, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.
This list aims to limit China’s ability to develop high-performance computing capabilities, quantum technology, and advanced AI, and to hinder the development of China’s high-sonic weapons programs.
“We do not allow the enemy to strengthen the US military and exploit American technology to threaten America’s lives,” said Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
In response to an investigation on Wednesday, China’s foreign ministry condemned the US move and said it would take necessary steps to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.
The Chinese embassy in Washington said it had opposed on Tuesday, saying it “requires that these actions taken by the United States and that it will stop immediately using military-related issues as an excuse to politicize, equipment and weaponize trade and technology issues.”
The Inspur group did not respond immediately to requests for comment.
The US also aims to disrupt the procurement of Iranian drones and associated defence items, preventing the development of ballistic missile programs and unknown nuclear activities.
The government has added businesses to the Department of Commerce’s Entity List on National Security or Foreign Policy Concerns. Companies cannot sell products to people listed without applying and obtaining a license that is likely to be denied.
rhm