US targets Southeast Asia to stop AI chip leaks to China
Washington aims to close loopholes as Chinese firms reroute Nvidia chip access through Southeast Asia, prompting tighter export rules.
The US is preparing stricter export controls on high-end Nvidia AI chips destined for Malaysia and Thailand, in a move to block China’s indirect access to advanced GPU hardware.
According to sources cited by Bloomberg, the new restrictions would require exporters to obtain licences before sending AI processors to either country.
The change follows reports that Chinese engineers have hand-carried data to Malaysia for AI training after Singapore began restricting chip re-exports.
Washington suspects Chinese firms are using Southeast Asian intermediaries, including shell companies, to bypass existing export bans on AI chips like Nvidia’s H100.
Although some easing has occurred between the US and China in areas such as ethane and engine components, Washington remains committed to its broader decoupling strategy. The proposed measures will reportedly include safeguards to prevent regional supply chain disruption.
Malaysia’s Trade Minister confirmed earlier this year that the US had requested detailed monitoring of all Nvidia chip shipments into the country.
As the global race for AI dominance intensifies, Washington appears determined to tighten enforcement and limit Beijing’s access to advanced computing power.
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