▲ SMIC factory in Shanghai, China
The Wall Street Journal reported that the US has stepped up export restrictions on SMIC, China's largest semiconductor manufacturer, following Huawei regulations.
The US Department of Commerce sent letters to its computer chip makers to inform them that the semiconductor technology and equipment exported to SMIC is at risk of being used in Chinese military activities and that certain technologies cannot be exported without permission in the future.
In response to the US action, a SMIC spokesperson denied ties with the People's Liberation Army, saying they only produce and service semiconductors for private commercial end-users.
(Photo = EPA, Yonhap News)