Taiwan Blacklists Huawei, SMIC Amid Chip Controls

Taiwan has imposed new export controls on Chinese tech giants Huawei and Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC), requiring government approval before Taiwanese companies can export advanced semiconductor technologies to them. The move places Huawei and SMIC on a blacklist that also includes groups like the Taliban and al-Qaeda, underscoring the seriousness of the restrictions. This decision follows reports that Taiwanese firms, including TSMC, inadvertently supplied advanced components to Chinese companies despite US sanctions. The updated controls are designed to curb technology theft, prevent the establishment of covert chip plants, and align with US-led efforts to restrict China's access to advanced chipmaking technology. The measures are expected to significantly hinder China's ambitions in AI chip development and its ability to compete with global leaders such as Nvidia. Neither Huawei nor SMIC have commented on the new restrictions.