Micron Chip Maker Under Fire: China Launches Cybersecurity Probe Amid Escalating Tech Tensions
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the global tech industry, China has launched a cybersecurity probe into Micron Technology, one of America's largest memory chip makers. The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) announced on Friday that it would be reviewing products sold by Micron in the country, citing concerns over potential cybersecurity risks.
The probe is part of a broader crackdown on US companies operating in China, as Beijing seeks to assert its dominance in the global tech market. The move comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing over issues such as trade, security, and human rights.
Micron's stock plummeted 4.4% on Wall Street following the news, the largest single-day drop in more than three months, with shares closing another 1.2% lower on Monday. The company warned earlier this year that it was facing risks associated with its operations in China, including potential restrictions on access to the market or increased regulatory scrutiny.
China has strongly criticized previous restrictions on tech exports imposed by the US and Europe, labeling them as "unreasonable" and "discriminatory". Beijing is seeking to woo foreign investments as it grapples with mounting economic challenges, but has also exerted growing pressure on foreign companies to bring their operations into line with its agenda.
In recent months, Chinese authorities have cracked down on several US companies operating in China, including the closure of the Beijing office of a US corporate intelligence firm and the suspension of Deloitte's operations for three months over allegations of auditing irregularities. The probe into Micron is seen as part of this broader effort to assert China's authority over its territory.
Micron has said it is cooperating fully with the CAC and stands by the security of its products, but the move has raised concerns about the potential impact on its operations in China. The company derives more than 10% of its revenue from the country and any restrictions or disruptions could have significant implications for its business.
As tensions between Washington and Beijing continue to escalate, it remains to be seen how this latest development will play out. One thing is certain, however: Micron's probe by China marks a turning point in the ongoing struggle for dominance in the global tech industry.
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the global tech industry, China has launched a cybersecurity probe into Micron Technology, one of America's largest memory chip makers. The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) announced on Friday that it would be reviewing products sold by Micron in the country, citing concerns over potential cybersecurity risks.
The probe is part of a broader crackdown on US companies operating in China, as Beijing seeks to assert its dominance in the global tech market. The move comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing over issues such as trade, security, and human rights.
Micron's stock plummeted 4.4% on Wall Street following the news, the largest single-day drop in more than three months, with shares closing another 1.2% lower on Monday. The company warned earlier this year that it was facing risks associated with its operations in China, including potential restrictions on access to the market or increased regulatory scrutiny.
China has strongly criticized previous restrictions on tech exports imposed by the US and Europe, labeling them as "unreasonable" and "discriminatory". Beijing is seeking to woo foreign investments as it grapples with mounting economic challenges, but has also exerted growing pressure on foreign companies to bring their operations into line with its agenda.
In recent months, Chinese authorities have cracked down on several US companies operating in China, including the closure of the Beijing office of a US corporate intelligence firm and the suspension of Deloitte's operations for three months over allegations of auditing irregularities. The probe into Micron is seen as part of this broader effort to assert China's authority over its territory.
Micron has said it is cooperating fully with the CAC and stands by the security of its products, but the move has raised concerns about the potential impact on its operations in China. The company derives more than 10% of its revenue from the country and any restrictions or disruptions could have significant implications for its business.
As tensions between Washington and Beijing continue to escalate, it remains to be seen how this latest development will play out. One thing is certain, however: Micron's probe by China marks a turning point in the ongoing struggle for dominance in the global tech industry.