Republican lawmakers in the United States expressed anger towards the Biden administration after Chinese telecom giant Huawei introduced a laptop featuring a new Intel AI chip. This move reignited criticism regarding the administration’s stance on Huawei amid ongoing trade restrictions.
Huawei, placed on a trade restriction list in 2019 for violating Iran sanctions, requires suppliers to obtain special licenses before shipping goods. Despite calls to revoke such licenses, a previous permit allowed Intel to supply processors for Huawei laptops, set to expire this year.
The recent launch of Huawei’s AI-enabled MateBook X Pro, powered by Intel’s latest Core Ultra 9 processor, dismayed critics who speculated the Commerce Department’s approval of chip shipments to Huawei.
Republican Congressman Michael Gallagher voiced concerns over the Commerce Department’s actions, highlighting the mystery behind continued technology shipments to Huawei. Although sources revealed chip shipments were authorized under existing licenses and not affected by recent restrictions, the Commerce Department and Intel declined to comment, while Huawei remained silent on the matter.
The backlash underscores increasing pressure on the Biden administration to curb Huawei’s influence, reflecting frustration over its rise despite trade restrictions. In August, Huawei unveiled a smartphone featuring a chip from sanctioned Chinese chipmaker SMIC, symbolizing China’s technological advancements amidst US efforts to limit semiconductor production.
At a Senate hearing, export enforcement official Kevin Kurland acknowledged the impact of restrictions on Huawei’s access to US technology, emphasizing the goal to prevent misuse for “malign activities.” However, Republican lawmakers, like Michael McCaul, criticized the apparent continuation of license approvals to Huawei, calling for policy change.
