A bipartisan group of six US senators are calling for Intel Corp. to provide more information about its relationship with ACM Research Inc., a leading semiconductor equipment manufacturer. The senators are concerned about ACM’s subsidiaries remaining on the Commerce Department’s blacklist, which restricts them from doing business with certain countries, including China. The request for information comes amid growing concerns over China’s increasing influence in the global semiconductor market.
In a letter addressed to Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger, the senators expressed their concerns about Intel’s joint venture with ACM Research, called “IUC”, and its subsidiary, ACM Research (Shanghai) Inc. The senators stated, “While we recognize your company’s global reach and significant presence in countries like China, we believe it is important for Intel to be transparent about its dealings with ACM Research given the national security implications of its activities.”
ACM Research is a major player in the semiconductor equipment market, with a focus on wet and abrasive chemical mechanical polishing technology. The company’s equipment is used in the production of chips for computers, smartphones, and other electronic devices. Its subsidiary, ACM Research (Shanghai) Inc., is currently on the Commerce Department’s Entity List, which limits its ability to receive certain US-origin technologies and products.
The six US senators requesting more information from Intel are Marco Rubio (Republican), Gary Peters (Democrat), John Cornyn (Republican), Mark Warner (Democrat), James Risch (Republican), and Jack Reed (Democrat). The bipartisan group is urging Intel to provide answers to several key questions, including the type of technology being transferred to ACM Research, the extent of Intel’s involvement in IUC, and the potential risks to US national security.
The senators also highlighted the potential harm to US interests if sensitive technologies end up in the hands of Chinese entities through Intel’s joint venture with ACM Research. They stated, “We are concerned that the technology transfer between Intel and ACM Research may have significant implications for the US semiconductor industry and our national security. We urge you to provide clear and detailed answers to the above questions so that we can better understand the extent and implications of Intel’s partnership with ACM Research.”
Intel has yet to respond to the senators’ letter publicly. However, the company has previously stated that it complies with all laws and regulations, and that its joint venture with ACM Research has been reviewed and approved by the relevant authorities.
The call for more information on Intel’s relationship with ACM Research comes at a crucial time in the US-China trade war. Tensions between the two countries have escalated in recent years, with the US imposing strict restrictions on Chinese companies. This move by the senators reflects the growing concerns in the US about China’s technological advancements and potential threats to US national security.
The bipartisan group’s focus on Intel’s relationship with ACM Research is just the latest in a series of actions taken by US lawmakers to scrutinize Chinese involvement in the US semiconductor industry. The pressure on Intel to provide more information highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the business relations between US companies and those on the Commerce Department’s Entity List.
In conclusion, the senators’ request for more information from Intel about its relationship with ACM Research Inc. highlights the growing concerns about Chinese involvement in the US semiconductor industry and potential risks to US national security. As the US continues to navigate the complex issues surrounding the US-China trade war, it is essential for companies like Intel to be transparent about their business dealings to ensure the protection of US interests. This bipartisan effort to gather more information will hopefully provide greater clarity and understanding of the situation and contribute to a more secure and competitive US semiconductor industry.
