Republican U.S. lawmakers criticized the Biden administration after Huawei unveiled a laptop powered by an Intel AI chip, despite previous trade restrictions placed on the Chinese telecoms equipment giant. The placement of Huawei on a trade restriction list in 2019 was part of a broader effort to curb Beijing’s technological advancements, requiring suppliers to obtain a special license before shipping to the company. Despite urges to revoke the license allowing Intel to supply processors to Huawei, it was confirmed that the existing license had facilitated the shipment of the new AI-enabled chip.
The unveiling of Huawei’s MateBook X Pro, equipped with Intel’s Core Ultra 9 processor, sparked shock and anger among China hardliners in Washington, questioning the Commerce Department’s approval of the shipments. Republican Congressman Michael Gallagher expressed bewilderment at the department’s decision to continue allowing U.S. technology to be sent to Huawei, despite previous efforts to restrict its access. The tension highlights the mounting pressure on the Biden administration to take stronger measures against Huawei’s technological advancements.
At a Senate subcommittee hearing, an export enforcement official acknowledged the significant impact of Washington’s restrictions on Huawei’s access to U.S. technology, emphasizing the goal of preventing the company from utilizing American technology for malicious activities. However, Republican China hawks expressed frustration following the news of Huawei’s new laptop, calling for a halt to approvals for shipping U.S. technology to the company. As tensions rise over Chinese technological advancements, the Biden administration faces increasing calls to tighten restrictions and curb Huawei’s growth.