China blocks usage of US Intel, AMD chips in govt. PCs

China has issued directives aimed at phasing out the usage of US-manufactured microprocessors from Intel and AMD in government personal computers and servers, according to Reuters citing Financial Times on Sunday.

The procurement guidelines also aim to diminish reliance on Microsoft’s Windows operating system and foreign-made database software in favour of domestic alternatives, according to the report.

Chinese authorities have commenced adhering to these guidelines, which were disclosed in December, the reported included.

Moreover, the directives mandate government agencies above the township level to include criteria that prioritise “safe and reliable” processors and operating systems when procuring goods, the newspaper stated.

Intel and AMD have not yet responded to Reuters’ request for comment.

The US has been striving to bolster domestic semiconductor production and reduce dependence on China and Taiwan with the Biden administration’s 2022 CHIPS and Science Act.

This legislation is designed to enhance US semiconductor capabilities and includes financial support for domestic production through subsidies for the manufacture of advanced chips.