The US seems to be restricting China’s access to cloud computing to protect advanced technology

The Biden administration is preparing to restrict Chinese companies Access to US cloud computing services, WSJ It reported Tuesday, citing people familiar with the situation. From the report: If passed, the new law could require U.S. cloud service providers such as Amazon.com and Microsoft to seek permission from the U.S. government before offering cloud computing services that use advanced artificial intelligence chips to Chinese customers, the people said. The move by the Biden administration follows other recent moves as Washington and Beijing clash over access to the world’s most advanced technology supply chain.

Beijing on Monday announced export restrictions on metals used in advanced chip manufacturing, days before Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is due to visit China. The proposed limit is seen as a way to close a significant gap. National security analysts have warned that Chinese AI companies may be bypassing current export control laws by using cloud services. These services allow customers to access powerful computing capabilities without purchasing advanced equipment — including chips — such as the A100 chips by American technology company Nvidia.