U.S. to allow export of H200 chips to China
3 days ago
- #AI chips
- #US-China relations
- #export controls
- The White House plans to allow the export of Nvidia H200 GPUs to China, which are about 18 months behind the latest models, as a compromise.
- This move aims to balance between those opposing all advanced AI chip exports and those fearing market loss to Chinese competitors.
- China had previously blocked imports of less powerful Nvidia chips like the H20, citing security concerns.
- The US initially tried exporting the H20 to China, but the ban helped Chinese firms like Huawei gain market share.
- Some in the White House view the H20 export failure as a win for Chinese competitors, prompting a reconsideration of strategy.
- The H200, while not the latest, is powerful enough that the US hopes China will allow its imports, benefiting US market share.
- Export controls are seen as short-term solutions; China's push for tech self-sufficiency remains a long-term challenge.
- China's reliance on US tech is a weakness the US could exploit, but the US focus on slowing China is also a vulnerability.
- The US may be overly reliant on the private sector for innovation, with insufficient government funding for long-term research.
- Experts argue that export controls are crucial for maintaining the US lead in AI, as Chinese firms face significant chip shortages.