US bans use of Huawei chips worldwide, including in China
JAKARTA – The United States has once again increased oversight of Chinese technology by issuing new regulations that ban the use of Huawei’s artificial intelligence (AI) chips, Ascend, globally — including within China itself.
The ban was announced by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) under the US Department of Commerce on 13 May 2025.
The new rules clarify that using Ascend AI chips without official authorisation is considered a violation of US export controls.
The aim is to prevent US-made technology from being used to train and operate Chinese AI models that could potentially serve rival state interests.
“We will pursue an inclusive and bold strategy with trusted nations, while ensuring this technology does not fall into enemy hands,” the US Department of Commerce said in a statement quoted by Bloomberg on Wednesday (14/5).
The warning comes amid concerns that AI models trained with US-made chips could strengthen China’s technological capabilities in the military, surveillance, and intelligence sectors.
Huawei has recently launched two new AI chips, the Ascend 910C and 910D, which are seen as direct competitors to Nvidia’s H20 chip.
This success has created political pressure in Washington, as it is seen as potentially enhancing China’s position in the AI technology field.
Previously, the US had blocked the distribution of Nvidia’s H20 chips to China and restricted Huawei’s access to advanced semiconductor equipment.
Now, the new rules further narrow Huawei’s ability to develop AI chip and smartphone technologies.
The move also forms part of a reversal of Biden-era regulations regarding the export of AI semiconductor chips, which were criticised for risking diplomatic tensions with allies and burdening US tech firms such as Nvidia and Oracle. BIS stated that the changes would be replaced with a new approach currently under development.
Nevertheless, the previous administration under Donald Trump is reportedly preparing a different strategy, with the possibility of launching bilateral negotiations with various countries. (EF/ZH)