tech
The Tech Download: Trump’s China visit sparks fresh questions over chip exports and rare earths access
China President Xi welcomed deeper commercial engagement from the U.S., but uncertainty still hangs over American access to rare earths and chip sales.
TL;DR
- Nvidia, Tesla, Apple, Meta, Micron, Qualcomm, and Coherent executives were part of President Trump's delegation to China.
- Chinese President Xi Jinping stated that China would open up to U.S. businesses.
- There was no discussion of chip export controls during the bilateral meeting between Presidents Trump and Xi.
- Washington reportedly cleared sales of Nvidia's H200 AI chips to Chinese firms, despite potential domestic opposition.
- China is committed to domestic production of chips and views US high tech as a potential threat.
- US access to critical and rare earth minerals, a market largely controlled by China, is another key focus area.
- A trade truce agreement regarding rare earths is in place until the fall, with uncertainty about its extension.
- Both sides have expressed a willingness to extend the agreement if it continues to benefit their countries.