Micron Technology Under Fire: China Launches Probe Over Cybersecurity Concerns Amid Escalating Tech Tensions
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the global semiconductor industry, China's Cyberspace Administration (CAC) has launched a probe into US-based Micron Technology, one of America's largest memory chip makers. The investigation is aimed at ensuring the security of key information infrastructure supply chains and preventing cybersecurity risks caused by potential hidden product problems.
The move comes as tech tensions between Washington and Beijing continue to escalate. Last month, Japan announced it would restrict the export of advanced chip manufacturing equipment to countries including China, following similar moves by the US and Netherlands. These restrictions strike at the heart of Beijing's bid to become a tech superpower.
Micron, which derives more than 10% of its revenue from China, has warned investors about such risks in an earlier filing. The company stated that the Chinese government may restrict its participation in the China market or prevent it from competing effectively with Chinese companies.
Shares in Micron plummeted on Wall Street following the news, falling by 4.4% and then another 1.2% on Monday. The move is a stark reminder of the growing pressure Beijing is exerting on foreign companies to bring them into line with its agenda.
China has strongly criticized restrictions on tech exports, saying it "firmly opposes" such measures. However, the country's efforts to woo foreign investments are being undermined by mounting economic challenges. The newly minted premier Li Qiang and several top economic officials have been rolling out the welcome wagon for global CEOs, promising a "good environment and services."
But Beijing has also exerted growing pressure on foreign companies, with authorities closing offices and detaining staff in recent weeks. The case of Mintz Group, a US corporate intelligence firm, highlights the risks faced by foreign businesses operating in China.
The probe into Micron Technology is just the latest development in the escalating tech tensions between Washington and Beijing. As the global semiconductor industry grapples with the implications of these restrictions, one thing is clear: the future of international trade and investment in this critical sector hangs precariously in the balance.
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the global semiconductor industry, China's Cyberspace Administration (CAC) has launched a probe into US-based Micron Technology, one of America's largest memory chip makers. The investigation is aimed at ensuring the security of key information infrastructure supply chains and preventing cybersecurity risks caused by potential hidden product problems.
The move comes as tech tensions between Washington and Beijing continue to escalate. Last month, Japan announced it would restrict the export of advanced chip manufacturing equipment to countries including China, following similar moves by the US and Netherlands. These restrictions strike at the heart of Beijing's bid to become a tech superpower.
Micron, which derives more than 10% of its revenue from China, has warned investors about such risks in an earlier filing. The company stated that the Chinese government may restrict its participation in the China market or prevent it from competing effectively with Chinese companies.
Shares in Micron plummeted on Wall Street following the news, falling by 4.4% and then another 1.2% on Monday. The move is a stark reminder of the growing pressure Beijing is exerting on foreign companies to bring them into line with its agenda.
China has strongly criticized restrictions on tech exports, saying it "firmly opposes" such measures. However, the country's efforts to woo foreign investments are being undermined by mounting economic challenges. The newly minted premier Li Qiang and several top economic officials have been rolling out the welcome wagon for global CEOs, promising a "good environment and services."
But Beijing has also exerted growing pressure on foreign companies, with authorities closing offices and detaining staff in recent weeks. The case of Mintz Group, a US corporate intelligence firm, highlights the risks faced by foreign businesses operating in China.
The probe into Micron Technology is just the latest development in the escalating tech tensions between Washington and Beijing. As the global semiconductor industry grapples with the implications of these restrictions, one thing is clear: the future of international trade and investment in this critical sector hangs precariously in the balance.