Export Controls Rapid Advances In Chinas Semiconductor Industry Underscore Need For Fundamental Us Policy Review

The United States controls the export of certain technology, including some of the equipment and materials used to make semiconductors, to sensitive destinations such as China for national security or foreign policy reasons. Semiconductors, commonly referred to as computer chips, are key components in computers, communications equipment, and weapons systems. U.S. policy on the export of such dual-use items goods and technologies that have both civilian and military uses is a subject of continuing debate. This policy strives to balance the need to protect U.S. national security and foreign policy interests with the objective to promote U.S. trade and competitiveness. As part of its efforts to control exports of sensitive dual-use technology, the United States is a member of the Wassenaar Arrangement a forum of 33 countries established in 1996 to reach multilateral agreements about which dual-use goods merit special scrutiny and reporting. 1 Report to the Ranking Minority Member, Committee on Governmental Mfairs, U.S. Senate.