US Secretary Raimondo: Multilateral Export Controls Like 'COCOM' Needed to Counter China Threat

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo stated that cooperation on export controls with allies is crucial to prevent China from acquiring advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 2nd (local time), Secretary Raimondo attended the Reagan National Defense Forum held in California and said, "China wakes up every day looking for ways to circumvent our export controls," adding, "A 'multilateral approach' like COCOM is necessary."

COCOM (Coordinating Committee for Multilateral Export Controls) was an export control system introduced by the West during the Cold War to block strategic goods exports to the Communist bloc.

Secretary Raimondo said, "What good is it if we prevent American companies from making money, but China can obtain technology from Germany, the Netherlands, Japan, and South Korea?"

She also acknowledged, "We know that American companies have suffered sales impacts due to semiconductor export controls on China," but emphasized, "Protecting national security is more important than short-term sales."

She further predicted, "If companies cannot export to China ten years from now, it will not be because of our export controls, but because China wants decoupling and is deliberately pushing companies out."

Regarding U.S. company Nvidia preparing to launch AI semiconductor chips for China, such as the 'H20' which are not subject to export controls, she said that the government is having extensive discussions with the industry to ensure companies do not deviate from the U.S. government's intentions.

She warned, "If a semiconductor chip with specific performance for China is redesigned, I will control it the very next day."

When asked if there are other technologies under consideration for export controls besides AI semiconductors, Secretary Raimondo replied, "Of course," mentioning biotechnology, AI models, AI products, cloud computing, and supercomputers.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.