[Finance] AI Chip Export Controls to China May Be Tightened; Kung Ming-hsin: Cross-Ministerial Consultations for Response Measures
bellala 央廣5h ago
Top executives from American server manufacturer Supermicro were recently named by foreign media for allegedly illegally transferring Nvidia's artificial intelligence (AI) chips to China, sparking public concern over whether Taiwan should further strengthen its AI chip export controls. Minister of Economic Affairs Kung Ming-hsin stated today (17th) at the Legislative Yuan's Economic Committee that there will certainly be corresponding management measures in the future. However, as these involve cross-ministerial responsibilities such as national security and export management, decisions must be made after consultation with relevant agencies.
During questioning by DPP legislator Chung Chia-pin, it was pointed out that Taiwan's current export controls on strategic high-tech goods to China mainly focus on 12 product categories, including semiconductor manufacturing equipment such as chemical mechanical polishers and photoresist strippers. However, in recent years, AI chips have become critical strategic materials. He questioned whether the current system's exclusion of China from chip export control scope might create loopholes.
Chung Chia-pin noted that in the past, the semiconductor industries across the Taiwan Strait had a division of labor model where Taiwan manufactured chips, assembled them in China, and then exported them overseas. Therefore, the government focused on restricting the export of advanced manufacturing equipment to China to prevent the outflow of key technologies. With the rapid development of AI technology, advanced AI chips themselves now possess significant strategic value, and relevant control measures need to keep pace with the times.
Kung Ming-hsin responded that the Ministry of Economic Affairs has begun reviewing and amending regulations. However, because the relevant measures involve national security and the responsibilities of multiple competent authorities, they cannot be decided by the Ministry of Economic Affairs alone. He also emphasized in a post-meeting media interview that there will definitely be corresponding measures. He said: 'Because it involves export controls, and trade activities involve customs from the Ministry of Finance, or other units, or including the National Science and Technology Council, which determines which chips may be subject to certain controls.'
Kung Ming-hsin also stressed that the specific timeline and scope of controls still need to be determined through cross-ministerial coordination. The government will also provide explanations to the public as soon as possible and promote necessary legislative amendments. (Editor: Song Wan-yuan)
Source Link: https://www.rti.org.tw/news?uid=3&pid=215083
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