In a further sign of the tension in the international technology market, China has just decided to close its doors to certain American technologies. Intel and AMD are in the front line. Objectively, this is almost a “normal” reaction, considering the numerous US sanctions on Chinese technologies in recent months (Huawei and, more recently, the pressure on TikTok), as well as the regular embargoes aimed at preventing access to certain technologies (engraving, AI, etc.). However, things have changed in recent years, and China now has the means to free itself from Western technologies.
China uses the same security argument as the Americans
The decision reported by the Financial Times on Sunday should be seen in this context. The Chinese government has issued directives aimed at phasing out the use of microprocessors from the American groups Intel and AMD in government PCs and servers. Hardware is not the only target, as Microsoft’s Windows operating system and foreign-designed database software are also to be replaced by domestic options, adds the business daily.
Interestingly, the arguments used to justify these decisions are relatively similar to those used by the American authorities. For example, China is (firmly) urging major government agencies to look at their choice of processors and operating systems, and to opt for “safe and reliable” solutions when making purchases. Of course, the “political” dimension of this decision must not be overlooked, as it is unlikely to be implemented in a matter of hours.
