China Bans US-Made Micron Chips in Vital Infrastructure

JAKARTA - After launching an in-depth investigation, China has finally banned the sale of several products manufactured by the largest US (US) memory chip maker, Micron Technology.

Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) in its official statement said critical information infrastructure operators should stop buying Micron products. The decision comes shortly after a network security review of Micron products sold in China.

"According to the Network Security Act and other laws and regulations, critical information infrastructure operators in China must stop purchasing Micron products," CAC said on its official website.

"Micron's products have relatively serious potential network security problems, which pose a major security risk to the country's critical information infrastructure supply chain and affect the country's national security," he added.

It is China's first major move against US chip makers, as the two countries' deepening row over technology critical to economies around the world.

The lingering dispute has led the US to enact a series of measures against China's chip-making industry, and invest billions of dollars to boost the US semiconductor sector.

However, CAC did not provide details on what Micron products it found harmful. It is claimed, the banning of these products will be carried out quickly and thoroughly.

CAC also emphasized that all companies from all countries can enter the Chinese market, as long as they comply with local laws and regulations.

"(We have) received a CAC notification after reviewing Micron products sold in China. We are evaluating conclusions and assessing our next steps. We look forward to continuing to engage in discussions with Chinese authorities," a Micron spokesperson told BBC International, quoted Monday, May 22.

Meanwhile, the US government said it would work with allies to address what it called distortions in the memory chip market caused by China's actions.

"We resolutely oppose restrictions that are actually unfounded. These actions, along with the recent raids and the targeting of other American companies, are inconsistent with (China's) assertion that it is opening up its market and is committed to a transparent regulatory framework," the spokesperson said. US Department of Commerce.