US to tighten controls on quantum computing exports to China

The U.S. is tightening restrictions on exporting quantum computing technology to China and other countries, according to documents published this week.

The Biden administration’s new restrictions aim to address concerns surrounding “national security and foreign policy,” particularly as that pertains to China and Russia.

The new export controls will apply to general product categories instead of specific products. There will be 18 new export control classification numbers (ECCNs) and 9 updated ECCNs.

These include technology that produces computing chips for supercomputers and quantum computers, their components, and software. Equipment for producing metal or metal alloy components and high-bandwidth chips for AI will also be subject to these new controls. 

What does this quantum restriction mean?

The controls mean that those wishing to export any products from the U.S. on the list may need a government license to do so going forward.

The controls cover all global exports of U.S. technologies, with exemptions for countries with similar rules, including the Netherlands and Japan. More are expected to follow.

The U.S. hopes the restrictions will prevent or slow technological advancements in America’s foes — especially their military application.

“Today’s action ensures our national export controls keep step with rapidly evolving technologies and are more effective when we work in concert with international partners,” Alan Estevez, undersecretary for the Bureau of Industry and Security, said Sept. 5.

“Aligning our controls on quantum and other advanced technologies makes it significantly more difficult for our adversaries to develop and deploy these technologies in ways that threaten our collective security,” Estevez said.

Public commentary on the new rules will be taken over a 60-day period. The government could then issue a final ruling. Earlier this year, the US was considering limiting China’s access to advanced AI models. In May, the government also revoked export licenses from companies that supplied Chinese company Huawei with chips for phones and laptops in May.

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