Micron Technology: China investigating US chipmaker for cybersecurity risks as tech tensions rise cnn business


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China has launched a cybersecurity investigation against Micron Technology, one of America’s largest memory chip makers. In apparent retaliation after American allies Asia And Europe Announced new restrictions on sales of key technology to Beijing.

Cybersecurity Administration of China (CAC) to review products sold by Micron in the country a statement By Sentinel late Friday night.

The move is aimed at “ensuring the security of supply chains of key information infrastructure, preventing cybersecurity risks caused by hidden product problems, and maintaining national security.”

This happened on the same day that America’s ally, Japan, Said This will happen restrict export Advanced chip manufacturing equipment will be made available to countries including China, following similar steps by the United States and the Netherlands.

Washington and its allies have Sanctions announced China’s semiconductor industry, which strikes in heart About Beijing’s effort to become a technological superpower.

Last month, the Netherlands also imposed new restrictions on foreign sales of semiconductor technology, citing the need to protect national security. United States in October Chinese companies banned By purchasing advanced chips and chip making equipment without a license.

Micron told CNN it was aware of the review.

“We are in touch with CAC and are cooperating fully,” it said, adding that it is committed to the safety of its products. “Micron’s product shipments, engineering, manufacturing, sales and other operations are operating normally.”

shares in Micron fell 4.4% on Wall Street on Friday after the news, its biggest decline in more than three months. On Monday, they closed down another 1.2%. Micron gets more than 10% of its revenue from China.

in one first filedThe Idaho-based company had warned about such risks.

“The Chinese government may restrict us from participating in the China market or prevent us from competing effectively with Chinese companies,” it said last week.

China has strongly criticized restrictions on technology exports, saying last month it “firmly opposes” such measures.

In efforts to boost growth and job creation, Beijing is attempting Attracting foreign investment Because it is facing increasing economic challenges. Newly appointed Prime Minister Li Qiang and several top economic officials have been pulling out the welcome wagon to global CEOs and promising that they will “provide a good environment and services.”

But Beijing has also increased pressure on foreign companies to bring them in line with its agenda.

Last month, officials Beijing office closed The Mintz Group, an American corporate intelligence firm, and five local employees were detained.

A few days earlier, he had suspended Deloitte’s operations in Beijing for three months and fined it $31 million over alleged lapses in its audit work of the state-owned troubled debt manager.