US Chip Maker Micron Under Fire as China Launches Cybersecurity Probe Amid Escalating Tech Tensions
China has launched a cybersecurity probe into Micron Technology, one of the US's largest memory chip makers, in response to recent restrictions on Chinese companies' access to key technology. The move comes as tensions between Washington and Beijing continue to escalate.
The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) will review products sold by Micron in the country, citing a need to ensure national security and prevent potential cybersecurity risks. This move is seen as retaliation against US allies such as Japan, which has restricted the export of advanced chip manufacturing equipment to countries including China.
In recent months, Washington has announced curbs on China's semiconductor industry, striking at the heart of Beijing's bid to become a tech superpower. The US ban on Chinese companies from buying advanced chips and chipmaking equipment without a license is just one example of these restrictions.
Shares in Micron have taken a hit following the news, sinking 4.4% on Wall Street last Friday - the biggest drop in over three months. The company's dependence on China means that any disruption to its business could have significant implications for the firm and the wider industry.
In an earlier statement, Micron warned of such risks, saying that it may be restricted from participating in the Chinese market or prevented from competing effectively with local companies. The firm is cooperating fully with the CAC's review, but this move has raised concerns about its ability to operate in China.
The escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing have created a toxic environment for foreign companies operating in the region. China has strongly criticized restrictions on tech exports, saying it "firmly opposes" such measures. However, Beijing is seeking to woo foreign investments as part of efforts to boost growth and job creation.
As the situation continues to unfold, investors are bracing themselves for potential risks to Micron's business. With its significant dependence on China, any disruption to its operations could have far-reaching consequences for the company and the wider industry.
China has launched a cybersecurity probe into Micron Technology, one of the US's largest memory chip makers, in response to recent restrictions on Chinese companies' access to key technology. The move comes as tensions between Washington and Beijing continue to escalate.
The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) will review products sold by Micron in the country, citing a need to ensure national security and prevent potential cybersecurity risks. This move is seen as retaliation against US allies such as Japan, which has restricted the export of advanced chip manufacturing equipment to countries including China.
In recent months, Washington has announced curbs on China's semiconductor industry, striking at the heart of Beijing's bid to become a tech superpower. The US ban on Chinese companies from buying advanced chips and chipmaking equipment without a license is just one example of these restrictions.
Shares in Micron have taken a hit following the news, sinking 4.4% on Wall Street last Friday - the biggest drop in over three months. The company's dependence on China means that any disruption to its business could have significant implications for the firm and the wider industry.
In an earlier statement, Micron warned of such risks, saying that it may be restricted from participating in the Chinese market or prevented from competing effectively with local companies. The firm is cooperating fully with the CAC's review, but this move has raised concerns about its ability to operate in China.
The escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing have created a toxic environment for foreign companies operating in the region. China has strongly criticized restrictions on tech exports, saying it "firmly opposes" such measures. However, Beijing is seeking to woo foreign investments as part of efforts to boost growth and job creation.
As the situation continues to unfold, investors are bracing themselves for potential risks to Micron's business. With its significant dependence on China, any disruption to its operations could have far-reaching consequences for the company and the wider industry.