[Finance] AI Chip Export Controls to China May Be Tightened; Kung Ming-hsin: Cross-Ministerial Discussions on Response Measures
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Executives from U.S. server manufacturer Supermicro were recently named by foreign media for allegedly illegally transferring NVIDIA artificial intelligence (AI) chips to China, sparking public concern about whether Taiwan should further strengthen its export controls on AI chips. Minister of Economic Affairs Kung Ming-hsin stated today (17th) at the Economic Committee of the Legislative Yuan 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. #Please listen to reporter Yang Wen-chun's report#
During his questioning, Democratic Progressive Party legislator Chung Chia-pin 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 planarization machines and photoresist strippers. However, in recent years, AI chips have become critical strategic materials. He questioned whether the current system's failure to include China in the scope of chip export controls might create loopholes.
Chung Chia-pin stated that in the past, the semiconductor industries across the 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 process equipment to China to prevent the outflow of key technologies. With the rapid development of AI technology, advanced AI chips themselves 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, the Ministry of Economic Affairs cannot decide unilaterally. He also emphasized in a post-meeting media interview that there will certainly be corresponding measures. He said: "(Original sound) Because it involves export controls, and trade activities involve not only the customs of the Ministry of Finance, or other units, or including the National Science and Technology Council, which determines which chips may be subject to some controls."
Kung Ming-hsin also stressed that the specific timeline and scope of controls must be determined after 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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