In cyberspace governance, China’s top technology regulator, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), has blocked the purchase of memory products from the American firm Micron Technology. Officials say the move is driven by concerns that such equipment could pose risks to national security, potentially affecting China’s critical information infrastructure and, by extension, broader geopolitical stability between the United States and China. The decision underscores the scrutiny that foreign technology suppliers face as governments assess domestic digital resilience and strategic dependencies in the tech supply chain.
Following a formal network security review, regulators concluded that Micron’s components present relatively serious potential network security issues and could constitute a significant threat to China’s core information infrastructure and supply chain integrity. As a result, the CAC determined that the products should not pass the security clearance process. In line with existing network security laws and related regulations, the ruling directs critical information infrastructure operators in China to discontinue the use of Micron products. The stance reflects a precautionary principle aiming to shield essential systems from vulnerabilities that could be exploited, whether by criminal actors or state-level diversions.
Officials emphasize that the purpose of the network security review is to prevent any security compromises that might affect critical information infrastructure. The prevailing message is that national resilience is a shared objective; openness to foreign technology remains possible, but only if suppliers and users comply fully with Chinese laws and regulations. This approach seeks to balance external market access with robust safeguards for domestic digital ecosystems.
A Micron spokesperson told the BBC that the company had received the CAC’s notification after completing its product review for operations in China. The firm is evaluating the decision and the path forward, stating it hopes to continue constructive discussions with Chinese authorities and other stakeholders to resolve concerns and identify viable solutions. The statement reflects a broader pattern where multinational tech companies must adapt to evolving regulatory environments in large markets.
On the international front, the United States government signaled its intent to coordinate with allies to address disruptions in the memory chip market that may arise from China’s actions. Officials stressed that restrictions without clear justification undermine market openness and global supply chain reliability. A spokesperson from the U.S. Department of Commerce criticized the decision as inconsistent with the rhetoric of market access and regulatory transparency that is often claimed by Beijing. The comments highlight the ongoing friction over technology governance, trade policies, and the security considerations that shape cross-border technology commerce.