The United States has intensified its efforts to curb China’s advancements in artificial intelligence and semiconductor technology by adding more than 50 Chinese entities to its export blacklist. The move, announced by the U.S. Department of Commerce, further restricts Beijing’s access to critical computing technologies.
In total, 80 organizations have been added to the “entity list,” with the majority based in China. American companies are now prohibited from supplying these firms with U.S.-made technology without special government approval. The Commerce Department cited national security concerns, alleging that many of the blacklisted companies support China’s military modernization efforts or aid in the development of AI-powered weapons, supercomputers, and quantum technology.
Among those targeted are firms linked to Huawei and its semiconductor subsidiary HiSilicon, as well as six subsidiaries of Inspur Group, a Chinese cloud-computing giant previously sanctioned by the Biden administration. Additionally, 27 entities were blacklisted for allegedly acquiring U.S. technology to bolster China’s defense industry, while seven others were penalized for their role in advancing quantum computing capabilities.
The latest restrictions follow ongoing U.S. efforts to tighten export controls under the “small yard, high fence” policy, which aims to limit China’s access to cutting-edge military-use technologies while allowing broader economic engagement.
China’s foreign ministry strongly condemned the decision, accusing the U.S. of using national security as a pretext for economic suppression. Meanwhile, trade analysts warn that despite tighter controls, Chinese firms have exploited loopholes and third-party suppliers to acquire restricted technologies.
Jeffrey I. Kessler, Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security, emphasized that Washington remains committed to preventing U.S. technology from being used for military applications, including hypersonic missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and advanced military training systems.
“The entity list is one of our most effective tools to protect American innovation from being exploited by foreign adversaries,” Kessler stated.
As China’s AI and semiconductor industries continue to grow, the U.S. is expected to expand its blacklist further, reinforcing the tech divide between the world’s two largest economies.
