US Moves to Restrict China’s Access to Advanced AI Chips

The guidance comes amid broader debate over Nvidia chip sales to China and U.S. efforts to protect advanced semiconductor technology.

Nvidia's GB10 Grace Blackwell Superchip is displayed at the company's GTC conference in San Jose, Calif., on March 19, 2025. Max A. Cherney/Reuters

The U.S. Department of Commerce has issued new guidance to prevent Chinese companies from obtaining advanced U.S. artificial intelligence (AI) chips, such as Nvidia’s most sophisticated Blackwell processors, through overseas subsidiaries.

The May 31 guidance clarifies that export licenses are required for entities headquartered in China or Macau, regardless of where their affiliates are located.