US Looks to Track Chips to Keep Cutting-Edge AI Tech Out of China’s Hands

The US will do “whatever it takes” to lead the world in artificial intelligence, President Donald Trump vowed last month. Part of that ambition, it seems, is doing more to stop China getting its hands on top-end chips.

The US is looking to equip semiconductors with better location-tracking capabilities, according to a senior White House official. While Trump officials recently pledged to lift export restrictions on Nvidia’s H20 chip to China as part of a trade deal, Washington is also exploring ways to work with the industry to monitor the movements of the sensitive components to curtail smuggling and ensure US technology remains dominant. The move has provoked a backlash in Beijing. Last week, Chinese officials summoned Nvidia representatives to discuss the US efforts and other alleged security risks.