Being included on the “strategic high-tech commodities” list requires Taiwanese firms to secure export permits prior to selling products to these companies. Other entities featured on the list include groups like the Taliban and al-Qaeda, along with various firms from China, Iran, and beyond.
The export control entities list was most recently updated on Sunday (June 15). Initial responses from Huawei and SMIC regarding their inclusion have not been made public.
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Both Huawei and SMIC have faced sanctions from the US. These two firms are developing China’s most sophisticated domestically produced artificial intelligence chips to compete with US-based Nvidia, while also providing essential chips to Chinese tech companies amidst export restrictions.
Taiwan is home to the largest chip manufacturer in the world, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC), which is a key supplier for Nvidia. Last November, the US directed TSMC to cease providing certain advanced chips to Chinese clients as part of broader actions to limit China’s access to cutting-edge technologies.
China views self-governing Taiwan as part of its territory, intending to annex it by force if necessary. The US acts as Taiwan’s foremost unofficial ally and arms supplier.
