The United States has moved to further restrict exports of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) chips to China, expanding efforts to curb Beijing’s access to cutting-edge semiconductor technology.

The new measures, announced by the U.S. Department of Commerce, are designed to limit China’s ability to develop high-performance computing systems that could be used for military modernization, advanced surveillance, and AI-driven applications. Officials said the updated rules close loopholes in previous regulations and broaden the scope of chips and equipment subject to export controls.

The tightened restrictions target advanced graphics processing units (GPUs) and other specialized AI accelerators commonly used in data centers and large-scale AI model training. American companies exporting such products to China will now face stricter licensing requirements, and in many cases, licenses may be denied.

Washington argues that the controls are necessary to protect national security and prevent sensitive technologies from being used in ways that could undermine global stability. However, the move is likely to deepen technology tensions between the world’s two largest economies.

Chinese authorities have criticized earlier export restrictions as attempts to contain the country’s technological development. Industry analysts warn that continued escalation could disrupt global semiconductor supply chains, increase costs for tech firms, and accelerate efforts by China to build a self-sufficient chip ecosystem.

As competition intensifies in the AI sector, the latest measures underscore the growing strategic importance of semiconductors in global economic and geopolitical rivalries.