US targets Chinese firms over TSMC chips in Huawei processor
Zhipu AI and Sophgo were targeted for alleged ties to advanced AI chips in Huawei systems.
Washington has blacklisted over two dozen Chinese entities, including Zhipu AI and Sophgo, for alleged links to restricted chip technology in Huawei processors. The Commerce Department has also tightened export controls on chips that could be diverted to Huawei.
Zhipu AI, backed by Tencent and Alibaba, was accused of contributing to China’s military modernisation through advanced AI research. Sophgo faced scrutiny after a chip found in Huawei’s Ascend 910B AI system matched one it ordered from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC).
The measures impose stricter licensing requirements for chip exports, targeting semiconductors at 14 or 16-nanometre nodes used in AI applications. New restrictions also affect DRAM memory, crucial for high-bandwidth AI processing, which could impact Chinese chipmaker CXMT.
Zhipu AI denied the claims, while Sophgo stated it had no direct or indirect ties to Huawei. Huawei and TSMC declined to comment on the latest sanctions, which build on previous curbs against Huawei and its network of suppliers.